Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europe has entered a phase of rapid military preparation, based on the principle “Si vis pacem, para bellum” (“If you want peace, prepare for war”). It is significantly strengthening its defenses and preparing with a plan for the possibility of a conflict, although this cannot be discounted in advance.
EU and NATO member states are dramatically increasing their defense budgets. The European Commission is promoting an ambitious plan to unify the defense market, increase weapons production. High-ranking NATO officials and European political leaders are openly calling on citizens to adopt a state of “war” considering that peace is fragile.
With the climate heavy, despite efforts to end the war, the powerful of the Old Continent are taking their measures…
Cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns
In fact, they are trying to “read” the signs of an initial phase, of a future war. Somehow, German military officials warn that the recent cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns cannot be ignored
The document, known as the Operational Plan for Germany (OPLAN), is an action plan for defending German territory in the event of a major conflict within the framework of NATO. Germany began drafting its plan at a special military meeting held about two and a half years ago at a base near Berlin.
Its preparation reflects the shift in the role of Germany, which has taken a central position in planning the reinforcement and movement of NATO forces, as Russia continues its aggressive posture in Europe after its invasion of Ukraine.
Its geographical location could act as a crucial logistics hub in any major conflict with Russia and a main corridor for NATO forces heading east.
According to the document, “hybrid” actions can prepare for military confrontation, with cyber operations and influence campaigns now considered part of the strategic escalation.
The classified document maps out routes for moving NATO forces eastward via ports, rivers, railways and roads, as well as methods for supplying and protecting these forces.
Moscow’s Fears and Persistent Denials
In recent months, Germany and its allies have experienced a series of hybrid attacks that mirror OPLAN scenarios. Federal authorities have documented increased Russian espionage, cyberattacks and influence campaigns, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt declaring that the country is a “daily target of hybrid warfare.”
German officials believe that Russia will be ready and willing to attack NATO in 2029. However, multiple incidents across Europe involving espionage, sabotage attacks and airspace violations, many of which are attributed to Moscow, suggest that Russia could be preparing for an attack even earlier. Analysts cited in the report warned that a possible ceasefire in Ukraine could free up Russia’s time and resources to plan a move against NATO countries.
Russia has vehemently and repeatedly denied that it intends to attack Europe. In fact, Russian officials have spoken of “an organized brainwashing campaign to sow fear and accustom people to the idea that a conflict with Russia is inevitable, in order to justify their own miscalculations, mistakes and even crimes, to explain away the disastrous economic processes underway in their countries, and to avoid any responsibility.”
