Brussels/New York: The European Union has reportedly issued a stark warning to its 450 million citizens, advising them to prepare for a potential large-scale conflict. According to the Associated Press, the EU has urged people across the continent to stockpile essential supplies, including food and water, sufficient to last at least 72 hours.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautioned that Russia could be in a position to launch another attack in Europe by 2030. Speaking in Warsaw, he issued a strong warning against any potential aggression toward NATO member states.
“If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or on any other ally, they would be met with the full force of this fierce alliance. Our reaction will be devastating,” Rutte stated.
His remarks followed a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which claimed dozens of lives.
“This has to be very clear to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone else who wants to attack us,” Rutte added. However, it remains uncertain whether the EU’s warning is directly linked to the Russian strike.
Meanwhile, EU Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib highlighted the increasing complexity of threats facing Europe.
Rutte further stressed the potential risks posed by Moscow. “Let’s not forget that Russia is and remains the most significant and dark threat to our alliance. Let’s not forget that Russia is moving into a wartime economy, and that will have a huge impact on their capacity and capability to build their armed forces.”
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In a show of military force, the Kremlin fired cruise missiles from its Ufa-class attack submarine in the Sea of Japan. Russian state media reported that the missiles successfully struck a land target over 620 miles away in the Khabarovsk region, as well as a naval target.
Reacting to Russia’s latest military actions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow’s claims as mere manipulation and intimidation tactics.
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“We don’t believe them. The world really doesn’t believe Russia. Unfortunately, even now, even today, on the very day of negotiations, we see how the Russians have already begun to manipulate,” Zelenskyy stated.
The ongoing tensions and the EU’s warning signal a heightened state of alert across Europe, with increasing concerns about potential escalation.