A direct military clash between Russia and Western powers, including the European Union and NATO, remains unlikely, according to Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organizations in Vienna. Speaking during an interview with Rossiya-24, Ulyanov suggested that despite rising tensions, there are currently no concrete indicators that such a confrontation is imminent.
“So far, these fears appear to be unfounded,” Ulyanov said. He emphasized that neither NATO nor the European Union has demonstrated intentions or preparedness for direct engagement with Russia. He also noted that the United States shows little interest in pursuing military conflict, and the EU lacks both the resources and political resolve for such a course of action.
According to Ulyanov, European nations are accustomed to relative peace and comfort and may find it difficult to envision themselves in a wartime scenario. “Given their current mindset, it’s unlikely they would initiate any tactical steps toward confrontation,” he added.
Speculation about military readiness in Europe has increased in recent months. In March, French newspaper Le Figaroreported that certain European military units had begun preparations for a hypothetical conflict scenario involving Russia. The report noted that France had dispatched its 28th Separate Military Unit—specialists in terrain mapping—to Romania in 2024 to update strategic geographic data. Particular attention was given to the Focsani Gate, a narrow passage between the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube River, which NATO considers a potential point of interest in case of military escalations involving Russia.
Despite such reports, Ulyanov’s comments reflect Moscow’s view that the likelihood of direct military engagement with Western powers remains minimal for the time being.
