According to a Lithuanian intelligence report, Russia is significantly expanding its military units along the NATO border, which includes providing combat experience to soldiers in Ukraine. This expansion is concerning to NATO allies, as it suggests that Russia is preparing for potential conflicts following the ongoing war in Ukraine. The report states that if sanctions were lifted, Russia could be ready for a large-scale conflict with NATO within six years, indicating a serious escalation in military readiness and ambition.

The intelligence assessment also warns that Russia might be capable of building a relatively modern army that could be 30-50% larger than its pre-war strength. This includes the full restoration of its strategic weapon and ammunition reserves, thereby reinforcing its conventional warfare capabilities against NATO forces. Such developments would shift the balance of military power in Europe and pose a significant challenge to NATO’s deterrent strategies, heightening tensions in the region.

Moreover, the report highlights that Russia's military industrial sector has been bolstered by support from China, reducing its reliance on Western technology. As Russia aims to alter the power dynamics in Europe to its advantage and consolidate its control over Ukraine, these military enhancements signal a potentially dangerous escalation in regional security challenges. NATO must now reassess its strategies in light of these developments to ensure continued preparedness and deterrence in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia.