CSET’s Margarita Konaev provided expert insight in an article published by The Atlantic that discusses the dilemma the United States faces in providing Ukraine with land-based missiles capable of hitting Russia amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

Regarding the current situation, Konaev stated, “The odds of Russia attacking NATO, digitally or otherwise, might seem long. But they are not outlandish, especially considering Moscow’s perspective.” She added, “Russia doesn’t see itself fighting Ukraine. It sees itself fighting NATO.”

She explained that the Kremlin’s perspective is somewhat understandable, as Russia is embroiled in a conflict involving NATO weapons systems, with its troops being targeted by ammunition from NATO member countries. Additionally, Ukraine heavily relies on intelligence provided by the United States. “The only thing they’re not fighting are NATO troops on the ground,” Konaev remarked. If Ukraine were to continuously carry out attacks on Crimea or Russian territory using weapons provided by the United States, Russia could perceive it as an assault from NATO on its own homeland.

Read the full article in The Atlantic.