US intelligence: Russia could test NATO with limited attack in coming years

U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Russia could test NATO's alliance cohesion with a limited attack in the coming years, according to officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The assessments shifted this year as the war in Ukraine has continued, the officials said. U.S. officials expressed growing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin could resort to a limited escalation to gauge the alliance's response. Potential scenarios identified in the assessments include cyberattacks, the deployment of unidentified armed groups, or a limited ground operation on NATO's eastern flank. The likelihood of a ground operation is considered low but is increasing over time, according to the assessments. The officials warned that such a move could create divisions within the alliance, and noted that critical munitions stockpiles have been depleted by support to Ukraine and other operations. NATO said it is monitoring developments closely and preparing for various scenarios. The Pentagon said there is no shortfall affecting U.S. forces' readiness or ability to carry out their missions.