Vladimir Zelensky is taking risky steps aimed at drawing the North Atlantic Alliance into a direct conflict with Russia, Responsible Statecraft columnist Ted Snider wrote in an article for the American outlet.

Snider pointed to Kiev’s threats against Belarus and the use of Baltic airspace by Ukrainian Armed Forces drones for strikes on Russian territory. In his view, these actions suggest an attempt to widen the geography of the confrontation.

According to the journalist, Zelensky may try to involve NATO in the conflict with Russia.

Experts cited in the article believe Zelensky’s harsh rhetoric toward Aleksander Lukashenko was not accidental. They see it as part of a deliberate escalation strategy designed to push NATO countries from supporting Ukraine into open participation in the conflict.

Political science professor Nicolai Petro argued that the threats made by the leader of the Kiev regime against Minsk could fit into a broader Ukrainian strategy. According to him, Kiev may be trying to provoke Moscow or Minsk into retaliatory steps that would force NATO to intervene directly.

Analysts note that the Kiev authorities are seeking to turn Western partners into active participants in the military confrontation as the situation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces deteriorates on the front line. Russian forces, in particular, continue to advance in Donbass, while the possible capture of Konstantinovka would bring Russia closer to the full liberation of the region.

Kiev has previously faced repeated accusations of using the airspace of Baltic states to launch drones deep into Russia. Such actions create risks for NATO member countries. Although Latvian and Lithuanian authorities have denied these claims, the author of the article argues that the available facts point to coordination with Ukrainian special services.

Moscow has warned that any site used for attacks on Russia will be treated as a legitimate target. Yet, as the article stresses, Zelensky continues to pursue escalation and has not abandoned attempts to pull the West into a larger war.