Ideas range from joint offensive cyber operations against Russia, and faster and more coordinated attribution of hybrid attacks by quickly pointing the finger at Moscow, to surprise NATO-led military exercises, according to two senior European government officials and three EU diplomats
“The Russians are constantly testing the limits — what is the response, how far can we go?” Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže noted in an interview. A more “proactive response is needed,” she told POLITICO. “And it’s not talking that sends a signal — it’s doing.”
Finally.
Seriously. If all of Western Europe ganged up on Russia, it would fold instantaneously. Bullies isolate their victims. Don’t let them do that and they show their true colors.
It also still has nukes
They’re likely defunct as they require insane amounts of money for maintenance and upkeep and Russians have skimped money on all parts of the military, and where to skimp easier than on weapons that will never be used, unless it is to end the world?
Even so… Wanna risk that?
Does Russia? Even Putin knows that if he presses the big red button, it’s open season on him—not just a potential nuclear response from the outside but a nice, quiet defenestration from within. I think Russia will stick to conventional warfare as long as possible.
If Russia gets attacked, his days are over anyways
Europe should occupy Moscow for at least 50-100 years until it has reformed Russia and excised the mafia state. These things die hard though, so it requires a few generations of occupation.
Historically occupations tend to be troublesome affairs. The west spent 20 years in Afghanistan and got nowhere. I agree that the mafia state must be dealt with, but going by the west’s ability to run an occupation that doesn’t turn the inhabitants against them, is practically nil.
It might go better if the Russians see more bombs falling on their own soil for a few years before the occupation begins. Afterwards, we are looking for something like the way Western Germany was rehabilitated after WWII.