Naryshkin says Western Europe ‘preparing for conflict’ with Russia
(MENAFN) Western Europe is reportedly preparing for conflict with Russia as it struggles to accept the end of the unipolar world order, according to Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
Naryshkin noted that EU countries have increased military spending since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, committing €800 billion ($937 billion) for defense by 2030 under a bloc-wide plan. Some European politicians have also increasingly referenced a “Russian threat.” Moscow denies any aggressive intentions toward NATO states but has warned of a severe response if attacked.
Speaking at a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday, Naryshkin stressed the need to ensure the shift to a multipolar world order “occurs without a major war as has happened in previous historical periods.”
He claimed Western Europe struggles to adapt to the new reality and that leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU diplomat Kaja Kallas respond with “Russophobia and an accelerated buildup of European military potential with an emphasis on a large-scale armed conflict with Russia.”
The SVR chief said Moscow sees EU and UK actions as preparations for war, citing efforts to re-equip NATO forces, increase military production, and spread anti-Russian propaganda.
Naryshkin added that Western European capitals face challenges recruiting personnel with adequate mental and physical fitness due to “widespread apathy and dissatisfaction with the ruling elites, especially among young people.”
"There is also no confidence in Brussels, Paris, and Berlin that Washington will fulfill its obligations [on collective defense in NATO] under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty if a war breaks out with Russia,” he emphasized. He added that EU hopes of gaining strategic superiority over Moscow are “illusory” without US involvement.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday that Western Europe is “doing everything” to escalate the Ukraine conflict, accusing “non-professionals” leading EU countries of having no understanding of the consequences of their actions.
Western Europe is reportedly preparing for conflict with Russia as it struggles to accept the end of the unipolar world order, according to Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
Naryshkin noted that EU countries have increased military spending since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, committing €800 billion ($937 billion) for defense by 2030 under a bloc-wide plan. Some European politicians have also increasingly referenced a “Russian threat.”
Moscow denies any aggressive intentions toward NATO states but has warned of a severe response if attacked.
Speaking at a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday, Naryshkin stressed the need to ensure the shift to a multipolar world order “occurs without a major war as has happened in previous historical periods.”
He claimed Western Europe struggles to adapt to the new reality and that leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU diplomat Kaja Kallas respond with “Russophobia and an accelerated buildup of European military potential with an emphasis on a large-scale armed conflict with Russia.”
The SVR chief said Moscow sees EU and UK actions as preparations for war, citing efforts to re-equip NATO forces, increase military production, and spread anti-Russian propaganda.
Naryshkin added that Western European capitals face challenges recruiting personnel with adequate mental and physical fitness due to “widespread apathy and dissatisfaction with the ruling elites, especially among young people.”
"There is also no confidence in Brussels, Paris, and Berlin that Washington will fulfill its obligations [on collective defense in NATO] under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty if a war breaks out with Russia,” he emphasized. He added that EU hopes of gaining strategic superiority over Moscow are “illusory” without US involvement.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday that Western Europe is “doing everything” to escalate the Ukraine conflict, accusing “non-professionals” leading EU countries of having no understanding of the consequences of their actions.
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