Europe on the brink of war?

Germany bracing for Russian attacks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country is preparing for extensive, combined and significant attacks from Russia. He added that any attack would be met with a swift, sharp and precise response.

Eliana Fleming

OCT 1, 2026 19:12

2 min read

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Thursday that his country is preparing for extensive attacks from Russia. In his remarks, he made clear that Germany would respond swiftly to any Russian aggression.

"Russian violence and aggression challenges Europe's peace arrangements. We are preparing for extensive, combined and significant attacks from Russia," Merz said in a joint statement at a NATO summit. "In any case of an attack, we will respond in a swift, sharp and precise manner."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Merz that "it is not only the Ukrainians who are suffering. All of Russia is paying a very heavy price for the war that Putin chose to start. Every month, the Russian regime sends tens of thousands of young Russians to their deaths in vain. He is failing on the battlefield, and will not be able to intimidate Europe."

In recent weeks, growing concern has been registered across Europe over the potential spread of fighting beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine. Senior officials across the continent, including the prime ministers of Poland, France, and the Netherlands, have warned that Moscow may escalate its military actions and attack NATO member states that have supported Kyiv.

According to reports, the scenarios about which European officials have warned include attacks using drones or missiles on the territory of NATO countries that supported Ukraine. Intelligence sources estimate that Moscow may test the West's response through targeted provocative actions against energy infrastructure or other critical facilities.