European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated on February 15, 2026, that Russia’s objective is not peace in Ukraine, prompting increased defense spending across Europe. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Kallas asserted that Russia will not limit its ambitions to the Donbas region.
Kallas emphasized the need for a robust response to Russian actions, outlining conditions for potential peace negotiations. She stated that any agreement must include limitations on the size of the Russian military, reparations from Moscow for damages inflicted in Ukraine, accountability for war crimes, and the return of deported Ukrainian children. “But we have a suspicion that this is not Russia’s goal,” she added, signaling a continued expectation of conflict.
According to Kallas, Russia’s military performance in Ukraine demonstrates it is not a superpower. She cited over one million casualties sustained since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, and noted that, after more than a decade of conflict, Russian forces have barely advanced beyond the lines held in 2014.
The High Representative also highlighted the importance of European Union expansion as a counter to Russian imperialism. She specifically mentioned the accession bids of countries in the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine, framing enlargement as a means of bolstering regional stability.
Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, described the outcome of the war in Ukraine as an “existential question” for Europe, with implications for the future of the entire continent.
Simultaneously, Western intelligence agencies report a resurgence in sabotage operations orchestrated by individuals linked to Russia’s Wagner Group. According to sources cited by the Financial Times on February 16, 2026, former Wagner recruiters are now focused on recruiting economically vulnerable Europeans to carry out acts of violence within NATO countries. The Russian military intelligence agency, GRU, and the Federal Security Service (FSB) are reportedly involved in utilizing these recruited individuals to sow chaos across Europe. This campaign is believed to be aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine and fostering social unrest.
The European Union has responded to the perceived threat by offering member states options to increase defense spending and strengthen the European defense industry, according to Czech Ambassador to France, Monika Ladmanová.
The Kremlin has reportedly expanded its sabotage campaign in Europe over the past two years, seeking to destabilize the region and weaken resolve to support Ukraine. This follows a period of reduced Russian intelligence presence in Europe due to the expulsion of numerous Russian diplomats.
