Eastern European leaders consider preemptive strike on Moscow, according to FT source
According to a Financial Times columnist citing sources, EU countries nearest to Russia perceive it as an ‘existential threat’. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
According to a Financial Times columnist, the EU countries nearest to Russia perceive it as an “existential threat,” citing various sources.
Simon Kuper reported that several nations in Eastern Europe are entertaining the idea of a pre-emptive strike against Russia, a move that arises amidst the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations initiated by Moscow and Washington.
Kuper noted that the perceived shift toward Moscow under US President Donald Trump has revived Cold War-era geographical divisions, distinctly labeling regions as “Eastern Europe” and “Western Europe.” In this context, one area views Russia as an existential threat, while the other “isn’t that bothered.”
An unnamed "prominent Eastern European politician" commented, “We know. That’s why some of our countries are asking, ‘Why don’t we attack Russia now, instead of sitting waiting for it to attack us?’” without going into further detail.
Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Poland and the Baltic States have expressed concerns that if Russia secures victory in Ukraine, it may target them next. Moscow has refuted these claims, with President Vladimir Putin describing them as “nonsense.”
Historically, many Eastern European countries have been part of larger empires—be it Russian, German, or Austro-Hungarian—and often lost their sovereignty. Czech writer Milan Kundera poignantly articulated this vulnerability, stating, “a small nation can disappear, and it knows it.”
These nations have recently exhibited heightened anti-Russian sentiment and are among the most vocal advocates for enhancing their defenses. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat and a former prime minister of Estonia, is particularly known for her aggressive stance towards Russia.
This report arrives in the wake of renewed contacts between Russia and the US last month, which included high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Brussels remains firm on its commitment to provide ongoing military support to Ukraine.
In light of Trump's reported suspension of American military aid to Ukraine, intended to compel Kiev into negotiations, EU leaders, spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reached an accord on an €800 billion initiative to “rearm Europe” and sustain assistance for Ukraine.
Moscow has declared its intention to implement measures to protect its security, citing the “militarization” and “confrontational rhetoric” emanating from the EU. It has consistently warned against Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that such actions only serve to prolong the conflict without changing the outcome, while heightening the risk of a direct confrontation with NATO.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Simon Kuper reported that several nations in Eastern Europe are entertaining the idea of a pre-emptive strike against Russia, a move that arises amidst the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations initiated by Moscow and Washington.
Kuper noted that the perceived shift toward Moscow under US President Donald Trump has revived Cold War-era geographical divisions, distinctly labeling regions as “Eastern Europe” and “Western Europe.” In this context, one area views Russia as an existential threat, while the other “isn’t that bothered.”
An unnamed "prominent Eastern European politician" commented, “We know. That’s why some of our countries are asking, ‘Why don’t we attack Russia now, instead of sitting waiting for it to attack us?’” without going into further detail.
Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Poland and the Baltic States have expressed concerns that if Russia secures victory in Ukraine, it may target them next. Moscow has refuted these claims, with President Vladimir Putin describing them as “nonsense.”
Historically, many Eastern European countries have been part of larger empires—be it Russian, German, or Austro-Hungarian—and often lost their sovereignty. Czech writer Milan Kundera poignantly articulated this vulnerability, stating, “a small nation can disappear, and it knows it.”
These nations have recently exhibited heightened anti-Russian sentiment and are among the most vocal advocates for enhancing their defenses. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat and a former prime minister of Estonia, is particularly known for her aggressive stance towards Russia.
This report arrives in the wake of renewed contacts between Russia and the US last month, which included high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Brussels remains firm on its commitment to provide ongoing military support to Ukraine.
In light of Trump's reported suspension of American military aid to Ukraine, intended to compel Kiev into negotiations, EU leaders, spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reached an accord on an €800 billion initiative to “rearm Europe” and sustain assistance for Ukraine.
Moscow has declared its intention to implement measures to protect its security, citing the “militarization” and “confrontational rhetoric” emanating from the EU. It has consistently warned against Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that such actions only serve to prolong the conflict without changing the outcome, while heightening the risk of a direct confrontation with NATO.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
