A Growing Threat to Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning that Russia is preparing for a broader military escalation, potentially targeting NATO countries. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, he stated that Moscow is assembling 15 divisions in Belarus, raising concerns about an imminent attack. According to Linternaute, Zelensky acknowledged he did not know which country might be struck first but pointed to Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states as likely targets.
In a subsequent interview with NBC, Zelensky expanded his warning, suggesting that if the United States withdraws from NATO or reduces its commitment, Russian President Vladimir Putin could declare war on the alliance itself.
He cautioned that the Kremlin may not stop at one country, saying, “I don’t know if the Russians want 30% of Europe, 50%, I don’t know. Nobody knows. But they will have the opportunity.”
Intelligence Reports Predict Possible Attack Within Two Years
Zelensky’s warnings align with a February 11 report from Danish intelligence services, which assessed that Russia could launch a large-scale offensive against Europe within five years.
The report suggests that if Moscow perceives NATO as weakened or divided, it may take military action, particularly against the Baltic states, as soon as two years after the end of the war in Ukraine.
Analysts attribute Russia’s growing military ambitions to its intensified rebuilding efforts since 2024, supported by China, Iran, and North Korea. The Danish report warns that Russia is shifting from mere reconstruction to a strategy aimed at achieving military parity with NATO.
Europe Rethinks Its Defense Strategy
Fearing a potential Russian offensive, European leaders are ramping up defense discussions. A high-level meeting of European military officials was held in Paris on February 17 to address security concerns and NATO investments.
Zelensky continues to urge Western nations to increase military aid to Ukraine, arguing that defending Kyiv is essential to protecting the rest of Europe.
“Their unity around Ukraine will only grow,” he said at the Munich conference. “Because they understand more and more that they are next. Not in a distant future, but in the near future.”
