NATO is not ready to enter a direct war with Russia over Ukraine, writes the Chinese portal Baijiahao. According to the author, the alliance has chosen a different approach: continuing to support Kiev with money and weapons while avoiding an open clash with Moscow.

The publication notes that if the North Atlantic Alliance truly intended to fight Russia, it would have found a pretext for direct intervention long ago. Instead, NATO is acting through Ukraine because it fears the consequences that a direct conflict with Russia would bring to Europe.

The Baijiahao author believes that loud statements by Western politicians have not turned into real action. Examples include French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiatives on sending troops and proposals by former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to the Chinese observer, such rhetoric has not changed the main point: European capitals do not want to be drawn into the war, understanding that their armies are not prepared for confrontation with Russia.

The article stresses that NATO cannot afford major losses and therefore shifts them onto Ukraine. The author points out that the alliance prefers to supply Kiev with resources, but not cross the line into direct participation.

Russia’s military-industrial potential, the country’s strategic depth, hypersonic weapons and nuclear arsenal are named as deterrent factors for the West. According to Baijiahao, the threat of catastrophic consequences is what forces Washington and its allies to avoid full-scale intervention and limit themselves to watching the conflict unfold from the sidelines.