According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) chief Sergey Naryshkin, Western Europe is actively preparing for a potential conflict with Russia due to its focus on Russophobia and military buildup. Naryshkin criticized the bloc’s approach, arguing that leaders in the EU and UK are prioritizing conflict with Russia over adapting to a multipolar world. He stated that the West’s actions, including increased military spending and anti-Russian propaganda, are viewed by Moscow as preparations for war. Naryshkin emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of historical conflicts by ensuring a smoother transition to a multipolar world order.
Naryshkin also highlighted challenges faced by Western European countries, noting that they are struggling to find enough recruits for their armed forces due to widespread apathy and dissatisfaction with ruling elites, especially among young people. He further expressed doubts about the reliability of US support under NATO’s Article 5, stating that without it, any hopes of achieving strategic superiority over Moscow are illusory. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the EU for acting as “non-professionals” who lack understanding of the consequences of their actions, accusing the bloc of escalating the Ukraine conflict with potential global repercussions.
EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and top diplomat Kaja Kallas, have been vocal about the so-called Russian threat, with some advocating for greater military preparedness. Naryshkin accused them of being driven by a narrative of conflict rather than seeking peaceful resolution. The SVR chief’s comments come amid a backdrop of increased military spending by EU nations, which have pledged €800 billion for defense purposes by 2030 as part of a bloc-wide plan. However, Naryshkin warned that such actions could lead to a dangerous escalation, with Moscow ready to respond harshly if attacked. As tensions continue to mount, the situation remains a key point of contention in the ongoing geopolitical landscape.