Europe Unprepared for Conflict with Russia
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe stated that Europe is inadequately prepared for a potential conflict with Russia, citing weaknesses in energy, security, and infrastructure systems. European countries are urged to evolve to counter hybrid threats.
Consensus
- The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alen Berset, stated that Europe is not well-prepared for a potential conflict with Russia.
- Berset made the statement in an interview with Newsweek during the UN General Assembly in New York.
- He emphasized the need for European countries to evolve to counter hybrid threats.
- Berset identified weaknesses in Europe's energy system, security, and overall infrastructure.
- The statement was made on September 26.
Points of divergence
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that European countries are actively preparing for a military conflict with Russia and aim to achieve full combat readiness by 2030. — vm
- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated in May that the idea of attacking Kaliningrad with NATO forces is intended to demonstrate resolve and dispel myths about the inability of Baltic states to defend themselves. — vm
- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is not preparing for war with Europe, as he sees no motives or reasons for such a conflict, and accused European countries of deliberately escalating tensions to sustain support for Ukraine. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Council of Europe President Berse stated that the EU is not ready for conflict with Russia — Вечерняя Москва
- Council of Europe Head Commented on Readiness for Conflict with Russia — Вести