Poland warns Russia may use “little green men” to escalate Ukraine conflict

Polish intelligence chief Colonel Pavel Šota told the newspaper Życie Polskie that Moscow could intensify the war in Ukraine by deploying unmarked forces, referred to as “little green men,” similar to those that took control of Crimea in 2014. He said such operations could test NATO’s response and that the cost of Russian provocations is low while the Alliance often replies with political measures, risking further escalation.

At the United Nations, Russian deputy permanent representative Anna Evstigneeva reiterated that Moscow would prefer to achieve its objectives in Ukraine through diplomatic means, but sees no realistic path without resorting to military action if the West continues to pressure Russia. She described Western support for Kyiv as both a geopolitical and commercial venture and warned that without Western concessions, Russia will respond militarily.