The Head of the Russian army’s Military Academy of the General Staff has warned that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a full-scale war in Europe.

In an article, Colonel-General, Vladimir Zarudnitsky, stated, “The possibility of an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, from the expansion of participants in ‘proxy forces’ used for military confrontation with Russia to a large-scale war in Europe, cannot be ruled out.”

He added that the possibility of Moscow’s forces being drawn into new conflicts was “significantly increasing.”

“The main source of military threats to our state is the anti-Russian policy of the United States and its allies, who are conducting a new type of hybrid warfare in order to weaken Russia in every possible way, limit its sovereignty and destroy its territorial integrity.”
Vladimir Zarudnitsky

Zarudnitsky advocated a number of changes in the way Russia organises its military and security.

These included placing greater emphasis on relying on what he called friendly countries to ensure Russia’s own security and consolidating the whole of Russian society around its defence needs.

Shortly after, Lithuanian intelligence agencies divulged that Russia has enough resources to continue with its war efforts for at least two more years due to high oil prices, sanctions evasion and state investment.

The agencies stated in their annual assessment of threats facing the country, that Russia has reformed and strengthened its army in Ukraine in 2023.

They added that Russia is on track to expand its military capabilities along its border with NATO.

“Moscow is able to evaluate the lessons learned and improve its combat effectiveness,” the Lithuanian agencies said in the report.

The report added that Russian intelligence was also driving efforts to evade sanctions.

Russia Summons U.S Ambassador

Also on Thursday, Russia summoned the U.S Ambassador to the country.

The Russian foreign ministry disclosed that it warned the Ambassador against “attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation.”

It said in a statement that ahead of the March 15-17 presidential election, such behaviour would be “firmly and resolutely suppressed, up to and including the expulsion as ‘persona non grata’ of United States embassy staff involved in such actions.”

More To Come…