ISW names goal of russia's drone attacks on NATO countries

The aggressor country of russia uses drone attacks on the territory of NATO countries to test the alliance's capabilities and response to such invasions. The Kremlin seeks to use the experience gained in future potential clashes with the North Atlantic Alliance.

This is stated in a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The document notes that russia is currently in a difficult financial situation - the state budget has a significant deficit. The Kremlin is considering the option of shifting economic losses to its own citizens by raising taxes to continue financing the war against Ukraine.

The russian publication The Bell, citing government sources, reported that the authorities are considering raising the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%. Such a step would allow to receive an additional about RUB 1 trillion per year (approximately USD 11.9 billion), which is equal to 0.5% of russia's GDP. At the same time, the tax increase will hit the population, as businesses will shift costs to consumers, increasing prices for goods and services.

According to the russian Ministry of Finance, the federal budget deficit for January-August 2025 amounted to RUB 4.2 trillion (approximately USD 50 billion). This already exceeds the planned figure for the whole year - RUB 3.8 trillion (approximately USD 45 billion).

ISW recalled that, according to russian president vladimir putin, military spending currently amounts to 6.3% of GDP - that is, RUB 13.5 trillion (approximately USD 160 billion). They are one of the key reasons for the budget deficit. At the same time, these funds do not take into account additional investments in the development of the defense-industrial base. At the end of July, the Kremlin even offered a benefit - a zero VAT rate - for manufacturers of small drones.

As a reminder, on the night of September 10, during russia's massive attack on Ukraine, at least 21 kamikaze drones crossed the border and entered Polish airspace. In response, NATO member states raised aircraft to destroy targets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Romania raised combat aircraft because of a russian drone that had entered the country's territory by about 10 kilometers and had been in NATO airspace for about 50 minutes.

And Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that the incursion of russian drones into Polish airspace was an attempt by the Kremlin to test NATO's reaction through gradual escalation, without provoking a full-scale response.