Is their any chance of war and cyber warfare propaganda between Russia and west

 The possibility of a direct conflict between Russia and NATO remains a significant global concern, even after the active phase of the Ukraine war concludes. While a full-scale, direct war is seen as catastrophic and something both sides are keen to avoid due to the risk of nuclear escalation, the potential for a "proxy war" in various forms is considerably higher and indeed, could be argued to be already ongoing in some respects.

A proxy war is generally defined as an armed conflict where at least one of the belligerents is directed or supported by an external third-party power, with the third parties not directly participating in the fighting but instead providing military aid, training, economic assistance, or other forms of support to influence the outcome. The Ukraine war, in its current form, already exhibits characteristics of a proxy conflict, with NATO nations providing substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine, enabling it to resist Russian aggression, without directly committing their own troops to combat within Ukrainian territory. This established dynamic is unlikely to disappear entirely even if the fighting in Ukraine subsides or reaches a stalemate.

One key factor contributing to the likelihood of continued proxy confrontation is the deeply entrenched distrust and adversarial relationship between Russia and NATO. Russia views NATO expansion as an existential threat to its security interests, while NATO has unequivocally declared Russia the "most significant and direct threat" to Euro-Atlantic security following the invasion of Ukraine. This fundamental strategic divergence means that even if a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, the underlying geopolitical rivalry will persist. Both sides will likely continue to vie for influence in Eastern Europe, the Arctic, and other regions deemed strategically important.

Furthermore, the Ukraine conflict has amplified existing fault lines and created new ones. Countries bordering Russia, particularly former Soviet bloc nations and those with historical ties to Russia, are likely to seek closer security alignment with NATO. This could lead to increased military aid, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing in these regions, which Russia could perceive as provocative, potentially leading to further proxy engagements. For instance, scenarios could involve Russia supporting separatist movements or engaging in hybrid warfare tactics, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, or economic coercion, against countries perceived as aligning too closely with NATO. In response, NATO members would likely bolster their support for these nations, creating a continuous cycle of indirect confrontation.

Moreover, the "lessons learned" from the Ukraine war for both sides will shape future strategies. Russia may seek to exploit any perceived weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the NATO alliance, potentially through unconventional means. Conversely, NATO will likely double down on strengthening its collective defense and deterrence capabilities, making direct military confrontation less appealing for Russia. This emphasis on deterrence, however, also means a continued focus on supporting partners and allies to build their own resilience against Russian influence, thereby fueling the potential for proxy dynamics.

The economic implications of the Ukraine war also play a role. Sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations are likely to remain, creating an ongoing economic struggle that could manifest in proxy actions in global markets and resource-rich regions. Competition for energy resources and trade routes could become another arena for indirect conflict, with Russia and NATO-aligned powers supporting opposing factions or economic interests.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the strong desire on both sides to avoid direct military engagement that could escalate into a full-blown war, especially given Russia's nuclear arsenal. NATO has consistently reiterated its defensive nature and its commitment to avoiding direct conflict with Russia, focusing instead on supporting Ukraine's self-defense and bolstering its own collective security. The cost of a direct war, both in human lives and economic devastation, is a powerful deterrent. Therefore, while overt military clashes between Russian and NATO forces are improbable, the low-intensity, multifaceted nature of proxy warfare offers a safer, albeit still dangerous, avenue for continued strategic competition.

In conclusion, while a direct, full-scale war between Russia and NATO is a highly unlikely outcome due to the catastrophic consequences, the probability of ongoing proxy conflicts is considerably high. The Ukraine war has solidified adversarial stances, intensified geopolitical rivalries, and highlighted the effectiveness of indirect engagement. Moving forward, the global landscape will likely feature a continuation of the "grey zone" conflict, characterized by robust support for proxy forces, hybrid warfare tactics, and strategic competition in various theaters, as both Russia and NATO seek to advance their interests and undermine those of their perceived adversary without crossing the threshold into direct, large-scale military confrontation.