PDB Afternoon Bulletin | October 21st, 2026: Putin Personally Ordered Attacks on NATO Countries & Turkey Prepares Saudi Deployment

U.S. intelligence reportedly ties Putin directly to an expanding NATO sabotage campaign even as Washington eases Russia sanctions and blames Kiev.

• Putin's direct order: WSJ investigation cites European officials saying Putin personally ordered an escalating sabotage campaign against NATO states after Ukraine talks stalled and Russian battlefield gains faltered.
• Leipzig-Halle drone attack: In August, GRU-linked operatives launched explosive drones at Leipzig Halle Airport cargo planes carrying Ukraine-bound supplies; one drone hit an Antonov transport but didn't detonate.

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