In a startling revelation, leaked documents published by German newspaper BILD have unveiled potential plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and attack NATO ally countries in the coming year. The classified military information obtained from the German Ministry of Defense warns of a "hybrid" Russian attack in Eastern Europe.

According to the leaked documents, one scenario known as "Alliance Defense 2025" envisions Russia mobilizing an additional 200,000 soldiers starting in February. The plan suggests that Russia, emboldened by dwindling financial support for Ukraine from the West, would launch a massive "spring offensive" against Ukrainian armed forces.

The leaked documents further outline how Russia could wage war in the Baltics by July, using "severe cyberattacks" while attempting to stir up discontent among Russian nationals in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. By September, the Russian military could conduct a large-scale military exercise named "Zapad 2024," amassing around 50,000 soldiers in western Russia and Belarus.

The plan then envisions Russia moving troops and mid-range missiles to Kaliningrad, a Russian territory located between Lithuania and Poland – both NATO members. The documents suggest Russia could bombard the region with propaganda, warning of an imminent attack by NATO forces, with the ultimate goal of conquering the Suwalki Gap, a narrow Polish-Lithuanian corridor situated between Belarus and Kaliningrad.

As per the leaked documents, Russia could intensify the situation by December, during the transition period following the US presidential election. By employing propaganda and fictional claims of "border conflicts" or "riots with numerous deaths," they could instigate violence in the Suwalki Gap area and foster unrest.

The document presents a worst-case scenario exercise, wherein Russia could accuse Western allies of plotting against Putin's regime during a January 2025 UN Security Council meeting. This accusation would enable Putin to rally troops to Belarus and the Baltics by March 2025. The leaked scenario suggests that in such a case, approximately 30,000 German troops would be deployed for defense, while an estimated 70,000 Russian forces would gather in Belarus.

It is important to note that these plans have been prepared by German army generals and do not reflect confirmed intentions by the Russian government. However, European allies are taking the potential threat seriously and making necessary preparations. German Defense Ministry officials, while not specifically addressing the scenarios mentioned, emphasized that considering various potential scenarios is a regular part of military training and planning.

The escalating tensions have prompted responses from other nations as well. Last week, Sweden's Civil Defense Minister, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, warned that war in Sweden was a possibility at a conference, a sentiment echoed by the country's military Commander-in-Chief, Micael Bydén.

While Russian officials, including President Putin, have consistently denied any intention to escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, these leaked documents have raised concerns among European allies. As the situation continues to evolve, preparations for defense are being carefully undertaken to address the potential threats posed by Russia's military plans.