The Baltic states, Poland, and Germany are 'undoubtedly' next on Putin's hit list - Zelenskyy

Putin dreams of restoring the Soviet Union (USSR)'s sphere of influence, so he will try to conquer areas that were formerly under the Kremlin's thumb, Zelenskyy said.

"He is not afraid of NATO countries,” Zelenskyy said.

“This is his strategy. Poland and part of Germany will come under attack after the Baltic States, undoubtedly."

Putin may be ready to attack NATO in the next five years, Zelenskyy believes.

Possible conflict between Russia and NATO

Russia may attempt to attack Europe by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025, when the United States will be “leaderless,” and may only come to the aid of European states after some delay, Germany's Bild reported, citing its intelligence sources.

The civilian population in the West should prepare for a “total war” with Russia, NATO’s Military Committee chair, Admiral Rob Bauer, said.

The possibility that Russia could start a war against NATO next year is extremely low, Lithuania’s Commander-in-Chief, Valdemaras Rupšys, said.

Russia does not want a direct military conflict with the United States and NATO and will continue asymmetric activities which, according to its estimates, will not cross the threshold of a military conflict on a global scale, American intelligence reported in March.

Estonia will be able to repel Russia’s attack and win a war, Estonian Defense Forces Commander Martin Herem said on April 18.