NATO Has Unveiled Its Step-by-step Plan In Case Of A Russian Attack
- 19.08.2026, 7:44
NATO plans to establish an “autonomous zone” along the borders with Russia and Belarus.
NATO has developed a concept for ground combat operations in the event of a large-scale Russian attack on Alliance countries. The document outlines a sequence of actions in the event of missile and drone strikes, as well as a ground offensive by Russian forces.
This was reported by Bild.
The Alliance’s primary objectives in such a scenario are to halt the Russian offensive and significantly weaken Russia’s military capabilities. This refers to the NATO Land Warfighting Concept. Its development was led by U.S. Armed Forces Major Andrew Pingray.
First, NATO wants to stop missile strikes
According to Bild’s description, in the event of a Russian attack on the Baltic states, Moscow could use missiles and drones, as well as launch a ground offensive using tanks.
NATO’s first task in such a scenario would be to suppress the missile strikes. To do this, the alliance plans to use fighter jets, missiles, and drones to take out Russian missile systems.
One of the targets in this scenario is the Kaliningrad region, where Russia has deployed a significant number of anti-aircraft and missile systems.
Plans to Create an “Autonomous Zone” on the Border
At the same time, along the borders with Russia and Belarus, NATO plans to create a so-called “autonomous zone”. The idea is for it to serve as a defensive barrier between Russian troops and Alliance forces.
According to the concept, this zone would primarily rely on drones and unmanned military vehicles to counter the enemy. NATO military personnel are not to be stationed there directly.
If Russian troops continue their advance, unmanned systems are to be used to contain and halt them.
The Alliance plans to strike at Russia’s military logistics
According to Bild, the next step could involve striking targets already on Russian territory.
This primarily refers to the military logistics infrastructure that supports Russian troops. Potential targets include airfields, military factories, bridges, and railroads used to transport troops and supplies to the front lines.
The goal of this approach is to significantly disrupt Russian supply lines and make it more difficult to organize subsequent waves of attacks.
NATO Wants to Enlist Putin’s Opponents
According to the concept’s description, the Alliance also plans to rely on Russians who oppose Vladimir Putin.
A separate element of the plan is the creation of an “air bridge.” Through this, aircraft would deliver drones and robotic systems to Russia that could be used to destroy military bases and airfields.
At the same time, the concept notes that NATO does not aim to conquer Russia. The goal is to stop and push back advancing Russian troops to the borders of the Russian Federation.
Putin Must Be Aware of the North Atlantic Alliance’s Plans
A distinctive feature of the concept is that NATO military officials do not consider it necessary to keep these plans completely secret. The Alliance’s logic is that deterrence works more effectively if a potential adversary knows what response it will face in the event of an attack on a NATO country.
Thus, the doctrine should not only define the Alliance’s course of action in the event of war but also serve as a warning to Russia about the possible consequences of aggression against NATO member states.