By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former MI6 head Richard Dearlove asserts that Europe is not merely on the brink of war, but is actively engaged in a war with Russia, a conflict extending beyond Ukraine’s borders. This hybrid war encompasses sabotage, cyberattacks, and other aggressive actions, leading intelligence agencies to describe Russia’s behavior as “going feral.” While dialogue with Russia is preferable, Dearlove acknowledges the difficulty in negotiating with Vladimir Putin given the current circumstances and rising tensions. The situation is deemed extremely dangerous, particularly with a potential shift in US support for Europe and Ukraine.
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Europe is currently engaged in an undeclared war with Russia, a conflict far beyond the borders of Ukraine. The aggression isn’t limited to Ukraine; neighboring countries are at risk, and the current stalemate among European leaders is dangerously insufficient. This inaction, this perceived hesitancy to fully confront the reality of the situation, endangers everyone. The scale of the conflict often goes unacknowledged, masked by a reluctance to admit the reality of a wider war.
The situation is far more complex than a simple war in Ukraine. Russia’s actions extend to significant geopolitical maneuvering, including destabilization efforts in other European nations. These actions aren’t simply rhetoric; they are deliberate acts of aggression designed to undermine and weaken European unity and resolve. It’s not just about military actions; it’s also about psychological warfare, economic pressure, and the exploitation of internal divisions within Europe.
The perception of Russia’s actions differs widely. Some downplay the severity of the situation, while others highlight the insidious nature of Russia’s aggression. There are accusations that this downplaying is due to propaganda and a failure to fully grasp the scope of Russia’s long-term objectives. Some even believe that Putin’s strategy is to goad the West into reacting in a way that benefits his agenda. This suggests a war of attrition, not just a military conflict, but one focused on eroding European unity and resolve.
Concerns about escalation are palpable, but so is the fear that inaction will embolden Putin. A failure to recognize the reality of the situation now could lead to far worse consequences in the future. Some argue that a stronger, more unified response is necessary, even if it carries the risk of further escalation. The idea that appeasement will work is misguided and historically inaccurate; Putin’s ambition is not new, and past attempts to appease have only emboldened him.
The argument that Europe is not actually “at war” with Russia is a semantic one. The conflict extends beyond the battlefield, encompassing information warfare, economic sanctions, and political maneuvering. The scale of the conflict necessitates a broader understanding, recognizing that the implications extend far beyond Ukrainian borders. Many point to Russia’s testing of NATO’s defense mechanisms for years, including acts of sabotage and the consistent pushing of boundaries without sufficient response.
The role of the United States is also central to this discussion. While there’s support for stronger US involvement, there’s also concern about the potential for escalation. The question of how much support the US should provide to Ukraine and the rest of Europe is a point of ongoing debate. This is further complicated by internal political divides in the US, and the influence of differing political agendas.
Ultimately, the situation calls for a clear-eyed assessment of the reality facing Europe. The conflict isn’t simply limited to Ukraine; it represents a broader challenge to the security and stability of the entire continent. It’s a struggle against a deliberate strategy of aggression, designed not just to conquer territory but to undermine the very foundations of European unity and self-determination. The need for a decisive and unified response is undeniable, despite the considerable risks involved. A failure to act decisively risks far more significant consequences in the future.