Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, European countries have increased weapons production and also launched some of the largest exercises in history. These facts may point to preparations for a direct clash with russia. Find out what senior EU officials are saying about this and what warnings are coming to Europeans

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The war in Ukraine has been going on for more than two years and the Ukrainian army is clearly experiencing difficulties on the frontline, while the West is beginning to realise that it miscalculated russia's capabilities. The situation on the Ukrainian front is not dynamic, but small russian advances make it clear that the EU and the US urgently need to increase the supply of weapons to Ukraine. 

While the Americans are delaying their assistance, the European continent is trying to replace the United States in this matter and provide as much support to Kyiv as possible. The efforts of the European military-industrial complex are visible to the naked eye, but they are not enough to dramatically change the situation at the front in favour of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

The West has repeatedly said that the European Union may soon face russian aggression. They also clearly see the russian dictator's desire to spread the war far beyond Ukraine, and the likelihood that the war will eventually spread to the EU cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the EU countries have begun to prepare for war more actively.

What does the EU say?

The EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, is probably one of the first high-ranking officials in Europe to speak publicly about the danger.

"We are undoubtedly at war... and a conventional high-intensity war in Europe is no longer a fantasy," Borrell said at an economic forum in Brussels.

He noted that russia threatens Europe with its war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on EU countries. Borrell also noted that the US umbrella, which Europe has relied on since the Cold War, may not be open all the time. Depending on who is in charge in Washington, Europe may not be able to rely on America's constant protection.

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A warning for Europeans

Earlier this year, General Martin Gerem, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, said that the "collective West" now considers the threat of a NATO war with russia more likely than at the beginning of russia's invasion of Ukraine.

And the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Rob Bauer, during a press conference following the two-day meeting of the committee in Brussels, has already stated directly that Europeans should prepare for war

"You need to have water in your home, a radio and a battery-powered flashlight. To survive the first 36 hours," he said.

Meanwhile, the Polish edition of The Warsaw noted that in 2024, Polish citizens began to buy housing in Spain three times more due to the fear of hostilities in their country.

The Poles are taking this step because they fear that the situation on the Ukrainian front could bring the war to them.

Facts that show that the EU is preparing for war with russia

Amid all the talk of a possible war, NATO launched its largest exercise in decades, Steadfast Defender 2024, on 24 January. It involves 90,000 troops from 32 NATO member states. More than 50 ships, ranging from aircraft carriers to destroyers, more than 80 fighters, helicopters and drones, as well as at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles, are also taking part. The exercises will last until the end of May.

It is possible that these exercises are preventive measures in case of a possible russian attack.

Many experts argue that the failure of russia's invasion of Ukraine leaves putin with no option but to further "raise the stakes".

Europe is on the path to war

According to the Spanish newspaper El País, EU member states are increasing their spending on defence and national security.

For the first time in the history of the bloc's existence, the EU leadership is beginning to place such a strong emphasis on defence as it seeks to protect itself from external threats in turbulent times. The reason for this is the russian-Ukrainian war, but not only.

In addition, according to NATO's public data, defence spending will reach $380 billion = 2% of GDP by the end of 2024. Everything indicates that these figures will continue to grow, as the world is heading towards the abyss of war.

We remind you! NATO countries may face russian aggression in the near future. However, a number of events, including the US elections, may affect the outcome of the confrontation between russia and the West. What actions can be expected from the kremlin in the near future and whether Europe is ready, read here.

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