We know what’s coming and we are prepared.
Is it possible that NATO forces could become directly involved in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
Until recently, such a question seemed very hypothetical given the high risks of escalation of the military confrontation between the US-led bloc and Russia into a large-scale armed conflict. But this scenario should be taken seriously now, writes Ivan Timofeev, programme director of the Valdai Club
“A significant escalation factor that would amplify the risk of a direct clash between Russia and NATO, could be the appearance of military contingents form bloc members on the territory of Ukraine. The prospect of such a scenario has already been mentioned by some Western politicians, although their view has not been supported by the US and isn’t an official NATO position.”
“Each of these scenarios involves a direct clash between Russian and NATO forces. Such a situation would inevitably raise the question of deeper bloc involvement and, in the longer term, the transfer of military conflict to other areas of contact with Russia, including the Baltic region. At this stage, it will be even more difficult to stop the escalation. The more losses both sides suffer, the more the maelstrom of hostilities will grow and the closer they will come to the threshold of using nuclear weapons. And there will be no winners.”
https://www.rt.com/russia/599286-russia-nato-ukraine-conflict/
📅 Daily summary — 09/07/2026
• The U.S.-Iran escalation widened with fresh American strikes on Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Chabahar, Konarak, Sirik, Kharg, Bushehr, Khuzestan and the Lavan refinery, targeting radar sites, air defenses, coastal sensors, missile and drone depots, naval capabilities and logistics infrastructure. Iran replied with missiles and drones against U.S. ships in the Sea of Oman and targets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while Tehran raised the toll to 14 dead and 78 wounded and confirmed 8 losses in its air force and navy.
• CENTCOM said the latest round of strikes on Iran hit about 90 targets, after around 80 were struck the night before, including more than 60 small Revolutionary Guard boats, and said the campaign could last days or weeks. Bloomberg also reported that ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz came to a complete halt.
• At the NATO summit, Donald Trump attacked Spain, calling it a “terrible partner” and “a lost cause,” and repeated that he ...
🔥 Top Stories
• U.S.-Iran escalation widens — Fresh U.S. strikes hit Iranian military, ports, bridges and air defenses; Iran says it will retaliate, raising war-risk headlines and pushing oil higher
• Hormuz disruption risk spikes — Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz nearly halted; Gulf states issued alerts/sirens as maritime insurance costs jumped
• Oil, gold and bonds react — Brent neared $79, WTI jumped above $75, and gold held above $4,100 as inflation and supply-shock fears returned
⛽ Oil & Energy
• Hormuz/Red Sea flows under pressure — Maersk rerouted one service via the Red Sea while ship traffic in Hormuz slowed sharply
• Global energy supply jitters — Norway flagged rising output losses; Kazakhstan’s Atyrau refinery resumed early; Colombia oil output also slipped
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📊 Markets & Macro
• Risk-off then selective rebound — Asia traded mixed as tech shares helped...
