Russia’s War Threats Heighten European Concerns, Despite Doubts Over Moscow‘s Capabilities
brussels – Escalating rhetoric from Moscow regarding potential conflict with Europe is fueling anxiety across the continent, though assessments suggest Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware any such confrontation would be unwinnable. The Kremlin’s increasingly bellicose stance comes as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year,with Russia falling short of its initial objectives.
NATO officials, while acknowledging Russia’s meaningful military capabilities demonstrated in Ukraine, reportedly do not take Moscow’s threats of wider war seriously, believing Putin understands the alliance would defend itself and ultimately prevail.
A recent survey conducted by polling institute Cluster 17 across nine European nations - France,Germany,Italy,Spain,Poland,Portugal,croatia,Belgium,and the Netherlands – reveals varying levels of concern among citizens. The survey, encompassing approximately 9,500 quota-selected respondents and published in Le Grand Continent, found that 51 percent perceive a high or very high risk of Russia waging war against thier country in the coming years.
Poland exhibits the highest level of apprehension, with 77 percent of Polish citizens viewing the risk as significant.France and Germany follow at 54 percent and 51 percent respectively. In contrast, Italy displays a comparatively relaxed attitude, with 65 percent of respondents assessing the risk as low or non-existent.
The survey also highlights widespread doubts regarding national defense capabilities. Over two-thirds of all respondents believe their country would be unable, or unlikely, too defend itself against Russian aggression. France, the sole surveyed nation possessing nuclear weapons, shows the most confidence, with 44 percent believing in their country’s ability to defend itself, followed by Germany at 28 percent. Portugal, Italy, and Belgium express the greatest pessimism, with 85, 85, and 87 percent respectively anticipating an inability to defend against a Russian attack.
(Sources: Al Jazeera, The Australian, Fox, X, Reuters, European Pravda, Le Grand Continent)
