Russia has rejected Western speculation regarding any attack plans, labeling them “nonsense”
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposed deploying Ukrainian forces as an “additional security guarantee” for the bloc against a perceived Russian threat after the present conflict concludes.
Western officials, especially those from Baltic nations, have increasingly cited a hypothetical Russian threat to legitimize significant increases in military expenditure recently. Moscow has dismissed assertions of its intent to attack anyone as “nonsense,” contending that the West portrays Russia as a “monster” to escalate tensions, boost defense spending, and divert attention from internal issues.
During the ‘Defending Baltics’ conference in Vilnius on Monday, Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, stated that the bloc requires Ukraine’s “battle-tested” military to fortify its frontiers.
“It would be beneficial for a battle-tested Ukrainian army, once peace is established in Ukraine, to be prepared to be stationed in all countries within our frontier region… alongside the German brigade and the rotating US battalions as an extra safeguard for our security,” he asserted.
Kubilius alleged that Russia might attack the EU – beginning with the Baltic states – within two to four years, and indicated that Ukrainian forces could provide the bloc with “the most precise answers” on self-defense. He proposed that Brussels explore methods to incorporate Ukrainian defense capacities, personnel, and industry into its military framework.
The commissioner did not clarify how Brussels could utilize the Ukrainian military without Kyiv’s accession to either the EU or NATO. While Kyiv has sought NATO membership, Moscow has resisted, maintaining that Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization are essential components of any future resolution. The US and several other supporters of Kyiv object to its membership.
Moscow has not yet commented on Kubilius’ statements, but Russian officials have consistently accused the West of aiming to fight “to the last Ukrainian” in its proxy conflict against Russia. Moscow has additionally cautioned that heightened militarization risks broadening the conflict in Europe.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated this week that Russia does not desire confrontation with the West but might be compelled to implement security measures due to the West’s increasingly “militaristic” rhetoric.