Expert Analysis: Europe Prepares for War with Russia, Views Ukraine as Key to Its Security
In Europe, there is a growing belief that Russia will be ready to attack one of the NATO countries in five years. The German Chancellor has already called Russia's actions ‘war,’ pointing to sabotage and information attacks. In response, Europe is hastily building up strategic reserves and improving military logistics in ports, actively including Ukraine in defence programmes. In other words, it considers Ukraine an integral part of ensuring and strengthening security on the continent, emphasised Olexandr Musiyenko, a military analyst and member of the Territorial Defence Forces.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to FREEDOM TV channel broadcast.
He recalled that both before and after the NATO summit in The Hague, as well as in his interviews and publications, Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about the threat from the Russian Federation and repeated the well-known phrase: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’ And today, the bloc's policy as a whole is aimed at strengthening security in such a way that Russia would not even think of attacking European countries.
"Mark Rutte, who recently gave a big interview to the American newspaper The New York Times, clearly identified the threats and challenges facing Europe today. In fact, the NATO summit also identified Russia as the main threat to the security of Europe and the Alliance countries. And Rutte is precisely stating the position that the Russian Federation is quite possibly preparing for aggressive actions against European countries and may implement them, including in agreement with China. According to Rutte, Beijing will ask its very small partner to start a war, an invasion of one of the European Union countries, in order to divert the attention of the world community from China's special operation in Taiwan. Even such versions are being put forward," Musienko said.
Any versions that are currently being voiced at the highest level, including by the NATO Secretary General, are confirmed by the dangers that already exist today, the analyst believes.
Musiyenko recalled that not long ago, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on the Maischberger show that Russia is essentially already waging war against European countries.
‘Merz gave examples: Russian sabotage, acts of sabotage, information influence, information and psychological operations. This is Russia's activity in the Baltic Sea and other actions that fall under what the German chancellor calls war,’ the speaker added.
He also recalled that, according to media reports, European countries are already coordinating the preparation of stocks and reserves, both of rare earth metals and minerals and other necessary components, in order to create a certain strategic reserve.
"This is also to prepare for various scenarios and strengthen ourselves. We are now talking about improving logistics and seaports. This is precisely in order to implement the so-called visa-free travel within NATO. I would like to remind you that these agreements were adopted several years ago and provide for the acceleration of logistics, specifically military equipment and weapons, through European countries, from west to east. This is so that we can always maintain reserve docks where ships with military cargo can enter. This is also a very important aspect so that they can quickly unload and this equipment and weapons can move on to help European countries," Musiyenko explained.
The analyst also recalled that in March this year, the European Union decided to increase the defence fund and the fund for the production of weapons.
"And what is noteworthy is that Ukraine is also included in this programme. This is very important for us, for joint arms production. In other words, Europe considers Ukraine an integral part of guaranteeing and strengthening the security of the continent. And this is an absolutely logical and correct step, because today Russia is waging a major war in Europe against a European country — Ukraine. And accordingly, it seems logical that it is with Ukraine that plans are being made to increase and invest in the defence-industrial complex, develop joint projects and subsequently produce the relevant weapons. We are joining these programmes, which is quite important," said the speaker.
Oleksandr Musiyenko also emphasised that Ukraine has the experience of the most combat-ready army in Europe, which has demonstrated its capabilities to the whole world and its partners.
‘We have shown how creatively, effectively and innovatively we use the qualitative component of warfare, planning and implementation of operations to deter an enemy that is much larger than us in terms of numbers and strength,’ the guest concluded.