/data/photo/2021/12/28/61ca7959f058c.jpg "Europe on the brink of war due to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict All")
BRUSSELS, COMPASS.com – “Europe is now getting closer to war since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia,” according to a clear warning from a senior diplomat European Union (EU).
Talking privately to journalists BBC, the warning was delivered regarding the current tension with Moscow, with a massive military build-up on the border Ukraine.
Also read: Ukraine’s Massive Cyber-Attack Is Just a Curtain From More Destructive Actions
The atmosphere in Brussels is restless. There are real fears that Europe could be heading for its worst security crisis in decades.
But anxiety is not completely focused on the prospect of a long and drawn-out ground war with Russia related to Ukraine.
Few people in Brussels believe that Moscow has the military power, let alone the money, or popular support in their country for the war.
The EU warned the Kremlin of “extreme consequences” if it took military action in neighboring Ukraine. Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was in Kiev and Moscow said so Monday (17/1/2022).
Sweden moved hundreds of troops over the weekend to the strategically important island of Gotland, located in the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile Denmark strengthened its presence in the region a few days earlier.
Rising tensions have also reignited debate in Finland and Sweden as to whether they should now join NATO.
Also read: Canadian Foreign Minister to Visit Ukraine, Determined to Prevent Russian Aggression
A divisive effort
But the overarching concern in the West – Washington, NATO, Britain and the European Union – is not just the possibility of a conventional war on Ukraine, but beyond. Namely that Moscow is trying to divide and destabilize Europe, shaking the balance of power of the continent as the Kremlin wishes.
Launch BBC, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told last year that the West needs to “wake up from its geopolitical slumber” about Moscow’s intentions.
Fellow EU countries will say they are now aware and smell a very strong signal.
However, as is often the case when it comes to foreign policy, EU leaders are far from agreeing on what action to take.
Moscow denies planning a military invasion, despite massive troops on its border with Ukraine. But Russia has issued a list of security demands to NATO. It loudly blamed the alliance for “undermining regional security”.
Vladimir Putin stressed, among other things, demanding that NATO ban Ukraine and other ex-Soviet countries from being members of the organization.
Also read: Russia Doesn’t Want to Attack Ukraine? These are Facts on the Ground that Ukraine Revealed
NATO categorically rejects these demands. Three summits held over the past week or so, between Russia and its Western allies, have failed to find much understanding.
What Vladimir Putin will do next is unclear. But the West, which believes the Kremlin is investing too much in its public maneuvers in Ukraine, is urging Russia to step down now, without any demands.
Sanction risk
The US administration under Joe Biden meanwhile waited anxiously for a strong European Union (EU) decision on possible sanctions.
It all depends on what actions Moscow takes. Will there be a military attack on Ukraine, a cyber attack, a disinformation campaign or – as is considered most likely – a hybrid attack mix.
The upbeat EU expects the bloc to agree to a series of possible sanctions on January 24, at the next meeting of foreign ministers. But that’s far from guaranteed.
A number of EU countries are talking about the impact of sanctions on their respective economies. Brussels usually discusses burden sharing, but the outcome of the negotiations may not please everyone.
Also read: Massive Cyber Attack in Ukraine, Many Government Websites Hacked
There is also widespread concern in EU countries about gas supplies from Russia. Especially considering the already high prices for European households this winter.
Washington says it is looking at ways to reduce the impact on energy supplies.
He wants to speed up the EU to agree on a firm position on sanctions. But know that in terms of foreign policy, agreement must be unanimous among its member countries.
Washington insists they can waste no more time, as the Kremlin is considering a “false flag” operation, “drawing a plan to take the option of fabricating pretexts for invasion” – i.e. blaming Ukraine for Russia’s impending attack.
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