Europe fears russia could attack NATO during Trump presidency - Politico

In Europe, it is believed that the next two years, while Donald Trump is President of the United States, could be an ideal opportunity for the Kremlin to test NATO's strength. This is reported by Politico, citing European politicians.

There is a risk that russia will take advantage of the moment when transatlantic relations are in crisis and the European Union has not yet strengthened its own military potential.

Finnish MP Mika Aaltola notes that the US is effectively withdrawing from Europe, leaving the EU unprepared for independent defense. Although a ground operation against one of the Alliance countries is considered unlikely due to the depletion of russian resources by the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin may resort to targeted invasions. Such actions are intended to sow discord within NATO and demonstrate the inefficiency of Article 5 on collective defense, which Trump himself has already called a "paper tiger".

Currently, there is no unified position in Europe on this threat. Finland and Lithuania are demanding an urgent strengthening of defense against the backdrop of the conflict in Iran, while Germany, due to the withdrawal of part of the US troops, is calling for the resumption of dialogue with russia. Experts warn that minimizing the danger during this period may mislead European countries about their real security.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, ten European capitals are developing mechanisms for mass evacuation in the event of a war with russia.

Bruno Kahl, the head of the Federal Intelligence Service of Germany, said that russia's attack on Europe depends on the course of the war in Ukraine. Russia could test NATO's collective security guarantees, and if the war in Ukraine ends before 2029-2030, it would increase the risks for Europe.

Kyrylo Budanov said that if russia gains control over Ukraine, its next target would be Poland.