Security officials are questioning whether Europe could sustain a long confrontation, while political divisions may create another opening for Moscow.
European defense officials assess Europe’s readiness for a potential direct war with Russia as inadequate. In their view, the countries of the continent are unprepared for a prolonged war of attrition, particularly because their societies are not sufficiently prepared for a sustained confrontation.
This is reported by the media outlet The Guardian.
During a discussion on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, participants emphasized that NATO should plan defense scenarios based on the possibility of a short-term conflict. At the same time, they expressed doubts about Europe’s ability to quickly transition to fighting a prolonged war.
Officials also discussed the risk of hybrid aggression. Russia may try to exploit political and social divisions in European countries in order to weaken the West from within. The rise of right-wing populist forces, including the Alternative for Germany party, which has demonstrated a favorable attitude toward Moscow, was also cited as a factor that could influence the course of a potential war.
Europe needs deeper defense integration
Participants in the meeting also considered prospects for closer military cooperation among the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland. This format could become more important if the United States reduces its security commitments to Europe.
Europe is stagnating at a time when external threats are reaching a truly serious scale. These are enormous, existential challenges that require deeper integration in the field of defense.
– Wolfgang Ischinger
Wolfgang Ischinger said that Ukraine could join the joint defense coordination framework in the future. He described it as the country that currently has the largest and strongest army in Europe.
Thus, European officials believe that strengthening defense cooperation and preparing societies are key conditions for confronting a potential prolonged war with Russia.