Vladimir Putin. Credit: photoibo / Shutterstock
France and Russia delivered crisp messages connected European security today, November 27.
Speaking successful Bishkek, Vladimir Putin said Russia has “no plans to onslaught Europe” and is prepared to formalise nan pledge, moreover arsenic he insisted Ukrainian troops must retreat from each Russian-claimed territory earlier immoderate ceasefire tin beryllium agreed.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a caller 10-month voluntary subject service for 18–19-year-olds. The strategy was wide described arsenic “conscription” successful early headlines, but reporting from AP and Reuters confirms it is not compulsory and will statesman successful summertime 2026.
What Putin really said astir Europe
Putin told reporters that a US-supported draught bid scheme for Ukraine “in general… tin beryllium nan ground for early agreements”, while stressing Russia would “achieve” its intends militarily if Ukrainian forces do not withdraw.
He added that if European governments wanted general assurances, Russia was fresh to authorities successful penning that it has nary volition of attacking immoderate European country.
The comments reflector earlier statements by Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who told nan UN successful September that Russia “has nary plans to onslaught Europe” but would respond “decisively” to immoderate aggression.
Why Europe is reconsidering nationalist service
France is not alone. Several countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, and Denmark, person reintroduced aliases expanded forms of nationalist work since Russia’s 2022 penetration of Ukraine.
Is a Russian onslaught connected Europe likely?
Germany’s intelligence work warned past twelvemonth that Russia could regain nan capacity to frighten a NATO personnel by 2029.
Crucially, experts accent this is simply a worst-case preparedness timeline, not grounds that an onslaught is expected.
Europe’s quickly expanding defence budgets, increasing ammunition accumulation and stronger NATO coordination are reportedly intended to deter conflict alternatively than awesome an impending war.
European defence argumentation is changing, but regular life for expats remains stable. Staying informed ensures clarity without alarm.
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