Russia Accelerates Military Build-Up as Artillery Moves Toward NATO Borders

In a striking display of military force, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a possible escalation beyond Ukraine, with growing fears among Western intelligence officials that the Kremlin is actively preparing for a broader conflict with NATO.

During Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations—commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany—Putin oversaw one of the most extensive military parades in modern Russian history. Tanks, nuclear missile transporters, and newly developed combat drones roared through Red Square, underscoring Russia’s evolving war arsenal.

The event was more than symbolic. Dutch Vice-Admiral Peter Reesink, head of military intelligence for the Netherlands (MIVD), warned that Russia is stockpiling artillery at levels far exceeding what is necessary for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. “They are producing significantly more than needed—often with foreign assistance—and deploying new artillery units to the borders of NATO countries, including Finland and the Baltic states,” Reesink stated in an interview with Politico.

This movement, he said, suggests a long-term strategic shift: “It’s not just replenishment—it’s preparation.”

Analysts say Russia’s production surge, coupled with aggressive military posturing, indicates that the country could be ready to initiate a new large-scale conflict within a year, assuming the Kremlin sustains its political will for war. The stark warning adds to growing anxiety in European capitals, where leaders are already grappling with the implications of a drawn-out war in Ukraine and a potentially broader confrontation on the continent.

Putin's emphasis on advanced weaponry, including drones previously deployed in Ukraine, further reinforces concerns that Russia is recalibrating its military for more expansive operations.

As NATO allies monitor troop movements and production trends, many now view Russia’s latest actions not just as symbolic saber-rattling, but as part of a calculated trajectory toward a wider geopolitical clash.