Russia ramps up rhetoric but wants to avoid war with Nato, Western officials say — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-ramps-up-rhetoric-but-wants-to-avoid-war-with-nato-western-officials-sayContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Western Officials Say Russia Seeks to Avoid Direct War With Natohttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-ramps-up-rhetoric-but-wants-to-avoid-war-with-nato-western-officials-sayhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-ramps-up-rhetoric-but-wants-to-avoid-war-with-nato-western-officials-say#u52219Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:10:35 +0000Western officials report that Russia is increasing its aggressive rhetoric while simultaneously seeking to avoid a direct military confrontation with Nato. While the Kremlin aims to undermine the alliance through hybrid attacks and tests of Western resolve, officials believe Russia does not want a full-scale war. However, some analysts warn that Vladimir Putin risks an accidental confrontation through these provocative tactics. These tensions persist as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, including recent strikes on critical infrastructure.Why it mattersThe relationship betwee