Horror warning Russia could start WW3 with NATO in just weeks as huge warship spotted

US intelligence has revealed that Russia could launch a direct attack on NATO to test its resolve within weeks.

For many Europeans, the assumption has long been that Russia President Vladimir Putin is too heavily committed in Ukraine to consider starting a war on another front.

But news that Russia has sent a heavily armed warship close a German island in the Baltic Sea should raise alarm bells.

The ship, which has been deployed near the NATO country's island, is fortified with cruise and hypersonic missiles, according to reports from The Telegraph.

The Admiral Kasatonov ship is reported to be one of the most advanced warships in Russia possession. It is capable of long-range strikes as well as anti-submarine warfare and equipped with nuclear-capable Zircon hypersonic missiles.

The Baltic is a vital shipping zone and the movement of the frigate through the region marks the latest tensions between Russia and NATO.

Russia has also been building secret bases near its border with Ukraine, according to reports. These sites are understood to be used to build hi-tech attack drones capable of striking deep inside NATO territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is concerned with his legacy as the country's leader.

After almost half a decade of fighting in Ukraine and a forced withdrawal from Syria, Russia's reach and influence appear visibly reduced.

This, among other things, and the CIA assessment that Moscow could test NATO in Europe makes an attack look considerably less imaginative.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week also threatened to retaliate against British and EU ships that tried to seize Russia-linked vessels.

Britain and France have seized commercial vessels suspected of transporting oil and other goods on behalf of Russia in recent months in what is believed to be a violation of international sanctions.

The ships generally sail under obscure foreign flags and have been called the Russian shadow fleet.

"It's nothing but piracy and robbery. If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind ... [Russia can retaliate] in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate," Mr Putin said.