The article outlines the concerns expressed by politicians and experts regarding Russia's capability to militarily challenge NATO's unity in the near future, especially if it manages to rebuild its forces post-war in Ukraine by 2029-2030. The key to maintaining NATO's stability is viewed as Ukraine's independence, which can substantially limit Kremlin's strategic ambitions. As Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a Kremlin opponent, emphasizes, the war could potentially be halted, but there’s an immediate risk of Russian President Vladimir Putin reigniting conflict at any moment.

In response to these threats, NATO has shifted its focus from a symbolic presence in the eastern flank to establishing concrete defense plans that include specific units and operational tasks. During a summit in The Hague, allied nations agreed on a strategic objective to gradually aim for 5% of their GDP on defense, signaling that the long-term deterrence against Russia necessitates far greater investment than ever before. This decision highlights the urgency for NATO member countries to reevaluate their defense commitments in light of the changing geopolitical landscape.

Additionally, Niku Popescu from the European Council on Foreign Relations notes that Europe's current state of preparedness for such emergency scenarios is significantly better than it was in the past, reflecting an increased awareness and strategic recalibration among European nations. This heightened state of readiness emphasizes the crucial need for stronger collective defense mechanisms amid fluctuating regional threats, especially with Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine.