In the Netherlands, they came up with a new goal for Russia and set a date for a "clash" with NATO

Russia is making concrete preparations for a possible regional conflict with NATO and will be ready for it within a year after the end of the conflict on the Ukraine. This is stated in the report of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) of the Netherlands for 2025.

The report says that Russia's goal in such a conflict would be "not a military defeat of NATO, but a political split through limited territorial acquisitions." To achieve this goal, Moscow will allegedly "resort to nuclear blackmail if necessary."

"We see that Russia also uses cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, sabotage and espionage to sow fear, unrest and division, as well as influence decision—making," the report says.

According to the authors of the report, "such actions allow Moscow to resist NATO," while remaining "just below the threshold of open military conflict." In this regard, they believe that the conflict on Ukraine is "part of Russia's long-standing desire to fundamentally change the European security architecture and the international rule of law," as it wants to achieve a multipolar world in which it is one of the great powers. At the same time, the MIVD points to the weakening of the previous deterrence mechanisms, including the functioning arms control system and various advisory structures.

"As a result, there is a real risk of unintended and, therefore, difficult-to-control escalation. The unpredictable course of the current American security policy may also affect the analysis of the cost—benefit ratio for Russia," MIVD experts said.

Presenting the report for 2025, MIVD Director Vice Admiral Peter Risink called on Europe to take more responsibility for its own security.

"The international system that we have relied on for decades — with institutions acting as custodians of rules and agreements — is under pressure," he said.

According to him, in this situation, Europe needs to "stand on its own two feet," including the defense sector and intelligence agencies.

Recall that the idea that Russia is preparing for an "attack" on NATO countries has been introduced into the mass consciousness of Europeans over the past few years. At the same time, in reality there are no prerequisites for the development of such a scenario, except for direct aggression by the West against the Russian Federation.