Part 5/10:
As the Russians advanced, NATO’s ground forces were mobilizing, but communication and coordination would prove to be catastrophic. In the first few days, vital command structures crumbled, notably when Russian hackers compromised NATO leadership’s communication lines.
The House of Cards: Political Dilemmas in Washington
In Washington D.C., the Dalman administration remained skeptical of Russia's intentions, believing that the Kremlin would not commit to an extensive offensive campaign. This underestimation of the Russian capabilities sowed discord within NATO member states and contributed to a slow initial response.