The hardening comes at a time when European governments are anticipating further Russian escalation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia is seriously preparing to expand its military operations. According to him, the coming autumn and winter months will be a particularly critical period.
This means the Russian threat in Europe is increasingly seen as more than just part of the war in Ukraine. Tusk also speaks about possible consequences for Poland and the rest of the region. At the same time, several European and NATO countries have reported incidents involving drones, arson, explosions, and sabotage of critical infrastructure.
Cruise missiles
Great Britain has given Kiev access to confidential information about British components of the Storm Shadow and anti-missile rockets. France is also assisting Ukraine in plans to assemble such missiles domestically. Additionally, Italy has announced a new aid package. This gives long-range weapons a larger role in European assistance.
Promotion
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged that the British defense company MBDA will provide technical information enabling Ukraine to produce its own missiles. Meanwhile, in Germany, there are calls for the delivery of cruise missiles and weapons systems such as Taurus.
Not until next year
The British and French plans are also intended to make Ukraine less dependent on ready-made supplies from abroad. However, the new missiles will not be immediately available. Experts expect that Ukrainian production will realistically only yield results next year at the earliest, and thus will not make a difference this winter.
Leipzig
In Germany, the suspected drone attack near Leipzig/Halle airport also plays an important role in the hardening stance towards Moscow. The German government is preparing a comprehensive package of measures against Russia. The German government is getting ready to hold Russia responsible for the incident. U.S. intelligence agencies have also linked the attack to Moscow.
Berlin therefore does not want to settle for limited diplomatic measures. Russia is warning of the consequences of growing European military support and accuses London and Paris of playing with fire. However, the European direction for now points in the opposite direction: more military support to Ukraine and increased economic pressure on Russia.