Defence planners working with Nato have warned that Europe could not currently sustain a prolonged war of attrition with Russia, citing a public lack of war readiness, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Defence planners fear Europe could not sustain a prolonged war of attrition with Russia.
- The concern was raised at a conference on the future of European military coordination.
- Officials cite a public lack of war readiness as a key weakness.
- Security experts fear Russia may be winning a hybrid war with Europe.
- The rise of pro-Kremlin, far-right parties is among the concerns raised.
Defence planners working with Nato fear that if war broke out with Russia, Europe could not currently sustain a prolonged war of attrition, a conference on the future of European military coordination heard this week, according to the Guardian.
The pessimism, the outlet reported, reflects a broader concern that Russia may be winning a so-called hybrid war with Europe, weakening the options available to Nato war planners in the event of military conflict.
At the heart of the warning is what officials describe as a public lack of war readiness. Without sustained public support and preparedness, planners fear Europe’s ability to endure a drawn-out conflict would be limited.
The Guardian noted that security experts are also concerned about the rise of pro-Kremlin, far-right parties across the continent, which they see as part of the picture of a hybrid war being waged against the west.
A war of attrition refers to a prolonged conflict in which each side seeks to wear down the other over time, placing heavy demands on manpower, materiel and public resolve. The officials’ assessment suggests Europe may not be positioned to meet those demands in a sustained fight.
The remarks, delivered at a gathering focused on European military coordination, underline continuing debate among Nato-aligned planners over the continent’s defensive posture and its capacity to respond to a potential conflict with Russia.
Why it matters
The assessment raises questions about Europe's ability to defend itself in a prolonged conflict at a time of heightened tension with Russia. It also highlights how non-military pressures, such as domestic politics and public opinion, can shape a continent's security options.
Frequently asked questions
What is a war of attrition?
A war of attrition is a prolonged conflict in which each side attempts to wear the other down over time. The Guardian reports defence planners fear Europe could not currently sustain such a conflict with Russia.
Why do officials say Europe is not ready?
According to the Guardian, defence planners point to a public lack of war readiness as the reason Europe could not currently sustain a prolonged war of attrition with Russia.
What is the hybrid war being referenced?
The Guardian reports that security experts fear Russia may be winning a so-called hybrid war with Europe, with concerns including the rise of pro-Kremlin, far-right parties.