Since Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military invasion in Ukraine at the beginning of 2022, there has been speculation over another country being the next target. The bordering countries to both Ukraine and Russia have spoken out on their concern of facing the wrath of the Russian forces once peace is reached in Ukraine.
Non-NATO countries may be the most appealing for Putin to target post-Ukraine, rather than risking any backlash from countries within the alliance. Moldova could be a key target as Russia has previously accused Moldova of plotting a military operation in Transnistria – a breakaway strip of land between Moldova and Ukraine which is backed by Russia. Putin’s government also claimed that NATO was turning Moldova into a weapons hub for Ukraine, sparking concern that Russia is eyeing it up for invasion.
Georgia is another non-NATO country in Eastern Europe which may be vulnerable to attack. Security and defence analyst Michael Clarke told Sky News that he believes Russian forces could enter if pro-democracy protests continue to “rival the pro-Moscow Georgia Dream party”.
Latvia and Lithuania could face a Russian invasion due to Putin previously stating that Baltic states belong to Russia’s empire.
Estonia may also be high on the list due to previously raising concern over the potential lack of support from the US, leading the door further open to an attack from Russia.
Speaking to the BBC, Estonian Defence Minister, Hanno Pevkur, said: “[The US] have said very clearly they will focus more on the Pacific and they’ve said clearly Europe has to take more responsibility for Europe. We agree on that.”
“And this is the question then to all the allies, to all 32 members,” Mr Pevkur added. “Are we together or not?”
Another NATO country preparing for a potential battle is Poland, located on the alliance’s ‘eastern flank’.
Despite Putin stating last year he had “no interest” in attacking Poland, Donald Tusk’s country recently announced it must be ready for war, with new military training taking effect this year.
However, it is key to note that Putin claimed he had no plans to invade Ukraine, just days before the invasion.
