NATO
![](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GettyImages-1239292926-scaled.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
It's the next conflict that Vladimir Putin might "unfreeze."
![](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kremlin-fears-avian-bioweapons-attack.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
Western officials warn the wild and false conspiracy theory could set the stage for a new kind of attack by Russia in Ukraine.
![Putin on March 3](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-03-at-1.40.43-PM.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
Everything is going according to plan, the Russian leader said.