Chief of the General Staff Valeriy Zaluzhnyi emphasized that Russia’s primary goal is Ukraine, which the Kremlin aims to use as a gateway to Europe. He warned that Russian ambitions may extend beyond Ukraine and called on Europeans to prepare for broader challenges. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, “Those who would give up liberty for temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security,” Zaluzhnyi stressed the importance of international support for Ukraine.
European experts and leaders are increasingly open about security concerns. NATO officials, including the alliance's Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavodragone, have even discussed a possible pre-emptive response to Russia’s hybrid warfare.
Meanwhile, the US and European countries are expanding defense cooperation—Poland launched its first military satellite, and both Poland and Romania are deploying new defense systems against drones. Allies continue to ramp up arms production to deter Russia, with advanced defense systems planned along NATO's eastern border.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted the alliance is closing the gap in ammunition production with Russia. These European efforts aim to strengthen defense and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
