NATO Considering Striking Deep Inside Russia if Hostilities Flare: Report

NATO countries are considering strikes deep inside of Russia if hostilities flare, according to a new report.

Top commanders from the alliance have concluded that, after almost five years of war in Ukraine, the strategy for an eventual conflict in Europe might no longer be limited to the equivalent of setting up military roadblocks, The Wall Street Journal noted.

Now, deterrence might be needed through striking military bases inside the country, as well as supply depots and industrial facilities behind the hypothetical front lines.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said in a June symposium that NATO's "theory of victory" would include not only targeting troops crossing the Russian border, but also "anything and everything that supports, sustains, or controls that force."

In this context, the U.S. has been upgrading its precision deep-strike missiles and developing new systems. Europe, which has been lagging behind, is seeking to catch up. A nuclear option is not being considered.

However, France recently announced it is working with 10 other countries in the continent over fading confidence in the United States' ability and willingness to provide security assurances.

The "forward deterrence" plan includes the creation of new infrastructure, communications and even the deployment of nuclear capable Rafale jets in different countries. Other participants include the UK, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Finland and Denmark.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said his government doesn't "have any plans to put nuclear weapons on Finnish soil in peacetime" but does have "plans for creating a strategic dilemma for Russia."

"We felt it would be useful for our security to get information, to be involved in it. We don't know where this is going to end, it's probably a 10- to 15-years process," he added.

France also recently tested an updated nuclear-capable missile. The exercise involved a submarine-launched ballistic missile capable to carrying a nuclear head, Paris' defense ministry said. It was not equipped with a nuclear warhead.

The exercise took place shortly after Moscow warned NATO that it is ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance seeks to cut off Kaliningrad, an enclave bordering the Baltic Sea.

A document accuses the alliance of going through a "dangerous and reckless course" that puts the sides at "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict," according to Reuters. It also threats with "Russian strikes against decision-making centers in the alliance's member states right from the outset".

"Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory should NATO countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the ​rest of the country," the document added.