Berlin: Russia wants to test Western unity, particularly in relation to NATO's collective defense clause, according to the head of Germany's BND intelligence service. Bruno Kahl told German outlet Deutsche Welle that Russia is contemplating testing the dependability of NATO's Article 5, which mandates that an attack on one ally is regarded as an attack on all.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kahl expressed hope that Russia's intentions do not materialize, stressing the difficulty that would arise if NATO's collective defense is tested. He emphasized that despite these hopes, there is a prevailing assumption that Russia is keen to challenge the unity of the Western alliance.

Kahl further noted that the timing of such a test hinges on developments in the ongoing Ukraine war, which recently entered its fourth year. He warned that if the war concludes before 2029 or 2030, Russia could quickly utilize its resources to pose a threat to Europe.

Although Ukraine is not a member of NATO, the conflict has influenced Finland and Sweden to join the alliance, reversing their long-standing resistance. Meanwhile, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which border Russia, have been NATO members since 2004.