U.S. engaged in "contingency planning" for Russian strike on NATO territory

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Friday that he has tasked a special "Tiger Team" of experts to conduct contingency planning for the possibility that Russia uses chemical weapons in Ukraine or strikes NATO territory.

Why it matters: President Biden promised after a NATO summit in Brussels Thursday that the alliance "will respond" if Russia uses weapons of mass destruction, which officials fear has become increasingly likely as Ukraine's resistance continues to stall Russian advances.

Biden has ruled out sending U.S. troops into Ukraine, but Russia's claims that Western convoys delivering weapons to the Ukrainians are "legitimate targets" could test NATO's principle of collective defense, known as Article 5.

A Russian strike on a Ukrainian military site just 15 miles from the Polish border earlier this month also raised fears that the conflict could spill over into NATO territory.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-engaged-contingency-planning-russian-142638603.html

[OnDoutside]

1. That's nice....

[Srkdqltr]

2. I cant imagine that this is the first time that they have talked about this.

Anyone who follows this stuff knows that we can't move directly against Putin, unless he moves on NATO. Poland probably will be next. I cant imagine this wasnt the plan all along.

[WarGamer]

3. Why would he hit NATO?

He's getting whipped by Ukraine alone.

[Blueplanet]

4. Thanks for the laugh WarGamer!

You made my evening.

[Shipwack]

10. How is this funny?

While "whipped" might be an exaggeration, Russian troops are not anywhere close to being successful. The only thing they have "control" of are a few highways, and even that doesn't extend more than a few dozen feet on either side.

Their logistical forces have barely been able to supply an invasion into a country literally right next to them. It is in shambles now. Even when it was fresh, it is obvious now that they wouldn't have been able to reach into any of the NATO countries.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

5. We always do "contingency planning", but why announce this to the world? Can't anyone keep quiet?

[Wounded Bear]

6. They've been doing this since the end of WWII...

It's what armies do in peace time, they plan for the potential next war.

[walkingman]

8. "potential next war"? Inevitable...sadly.

[C_U_L8R]

7. Preparation. That's clearly something neither Russia or Trumps do.

All these rightwing clowns around the world distinguish themselves with sheer stupidity.

[usonian]

9. Planning means that you're prepared, and

it removes the element of surprise that an attacker wants. Advance warning may thwart, and may have thwarted moves.

But when you're dealing with a cornered animal, be prepared for anything, planned or irrational.

So far, the RW-Putin actions have been those of a bully, trying everything and testing limits.

Remember "brinksmanship"?