August M
Rhetoric from Moscow has again sharpened as relations between Russia and NATO grow increasingly tense. Western intelligence agencies say recent statements fit into a broader pattern of pressure and intimidation aimed at European capitals.
Warnings from security officials suggest the Kremlin is not only escalating its messaging, but also preparing for a long-term confrontation with the alliance.
According to reporting by Express, Western intelligence services have warned that Russia is intensifying its hybrid warfare activities across Europe.
They assess that Moscow is preparing for a possible military conflict with NATO and that an attack could come as early as 2029.
Those concerns have been heightened by repeated signals from President Vladimir Putin, who has offered little reassurance that Russia’s ambitions would end if its forces succeed in Ukraine.
Putin’s warning
The Russian president added to those fears when asked to comment on remarks by Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who claimed that Europe was preparing for war against Russia.
Putin rejected the accusation but warned European leaders of the consequences if they were to attack Moscow. He said Europe would face swift and decisive defeat in such a scenario.
“If Europe suddenly wants to start a war with us and does so, it would end so swiftly for Europe that Russia would have no one left to negotiate with,” Putin said, reports Express.
Capitals named
Vladimir Solovyov, one of Russia’s most prominent state television presenters and a close ally of the Kremlin, made the remarks during a broadcast on Tuesday.
“Once again we will have to destroy Berlin, and enter this godforsaken city,” Solovyov said. “Once again we will have to enter Paris. Once again we will have to liberate Vienna. Well perhaps the Austrians will reconsider.”
He went on to frame the threats as forced actions rather than deliberate choices, echoing language often used by Russian officials.
“It doesn’t mean that we want this. But one of the principles postulated by our supreme commander-in-chief is that when we are forced to act, then we act. First, of course, comes the principle of ‘do no harm,’ but then… please don’t blame us,” notes Express.
Staged appearance
According to Express, Solovyov has also appeared in carefully managed wartime imagery. Last week, he was filmed wearing military fatigues and holding a Russian flag during a staged visit to Pokrovsk.
The appearance was presented as taking place inside the embattled city, which Russian forces have so far been unable to fully capture.
The combination of official warnings, intelligence assessments and increasingly explicit propaganda has reinforced concerns in Europe that Moscow is deliberately raising the temperature of its confrontation with the West.
Sources: Express
