European intelligence services see no signs that Russia is preparing a military attack on European NATO countries. This was stated on August 27 by a high‑ranking representative of the EU, who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to AFP.
Her statement came after reports by American media that CIA Director John Ratcliffe during a recent visit to Moscow tried to convince the Russian side not to attack the alliance countries. Several American publications reported on Ratcliffe’s efforts. At the same time, The Wall Street Journal wrote that Russia could try to test NATO‘s strength with a “limited attack” over the next few years.
European intelligence sees no preparation for an attack
A high‑ranking representative of the EU downplayed the likelihood of an imminent Russian military attack on European countries. According to her, European intelligence services currently do not see such a risk.
“European services generally do not see any risk of a Russian attack on European countries, and this assessment has not changed,” the official said.
She also emphasized that European services have no information about Russia preparing an attack against NATO members: “Regarding any threat to European NATO members, we see no signs that something like this is being prepared now.”
EU speaks of Russian hybrid attacks
At the same time, the EU representative said that Russia is actively trying to create problems for European countries. Against the backdrop of the EU’s support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022, Russian escalation is already evident.
“Russia is actively trying to create difficulties for our countries,” the official said, adding: “This escalation from Russia is certainly taking place.”
The EU accuses Moscow of a series of so‑called hybrid actions, including airspace violations, cyberattacks, disinformation and political interference. The eastern EU member states are considered the most vulnerable to such actions.
According to the EU representative, these attacks are already ongoing and, in the view of European services, may continue. “What we see are hybrid attacks, and in some cases attacks that can no longer be called purely hybrid, that are ongoing — and we assume they will continue,” she noted.
Kremlin calls the reports “scare stories”
The Kremlin on August 27 rejected reports of a possible Russian preparation for a military attack on Europe, calling them “scare stories,” according to AFP.
Source: AFP
