Oct 21, 2026 · 16 min
U.S. intelligence links Putin to escalating NATO sabotage
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | October 21st, 2026: Putin Personally Ordered Attacks on NATO Countries & Turkey Prepares Saudi Deployment
The reported campaign could mark a sharper confrontation between Russia and NATO, while Turkey weighs a new regional security role against Houthi threats.
- 1U.S. intelligence reportedly believes Vladimir Putin personally authorized sabotage operations targeting NATO countries.
- 2The episode examines alleged attacks involving military cargo aircraft in Germany and warnings of further Russian operations.
- 3Turkey is considering a Saudi deployment as Ankara expands defense partnerships across the Middle East and Asia.
Don't miss
The bulletin’s central revelation is the claim that Vladimir Putin personally authorized sabotage attacks against NATO countries.
The brief
Mike Baker opens with reports that U.S. intelligence believes Vladimir Putin personally ordered an escalating Russian sabotage campaign against NATO countries.
The alleged operations include attacks targeting military cargo aircraft in Germany, raising questions about how far Moscow’s campaign may extend.
The episode also turns to Turkey’s potential deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia to help counter Houthi missile and drone threats.
Taken together, the stories show pressure building across Europe and the Middle East as governments reassess deterrence, defense partnerships, and escalation risks.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.