On 30 September 2026, the Czech outlet and Slovak outlet Zem&vek circulated claims that European leaders were deliberately drawing Europe into a war with Russia.
, commenting on an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, described Europe as “a sick patient that has decided to commit suicide, but not alone: it wants to force the patients throughout the hospital to do the same”. The outlet said European leaders were trying to involve the whole of Europe in a destructive war with Russia, including countries that did not want this.
Zem&vek claimed that supporters of a military policy in the European Union wanted to draw Europe into war with Russia “even if they have to destroy their own population”, which it said was already facing a severe economic crisis caused by “military warmongers and Brussels fools”.
Source:
Source: Zem&vek
European governments’ stated position
The supplied context says that the strengthening of European, EU and NATO defence capabilities is presented by European governments as a response to Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, damage to Europe’s security system and the expansion of Russian hybrid activity in Europe. It says European leaders distinguish between deterrence and preparation for war.
According to the material, stronger armed forces, protection of critical infrastructure and improved military readiness are intended to deter aggression rather than begin a direct confrontation with Russia. The EU is also described as supporting diplomatic efforts to end the war, while NATO stresses its defensive character and the need to avoid uncontrolled escalation.
The material says European states have not declared an intention to start a war against Russia. It describes support for Ukraine as an effort to prevent the conflict from spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders and to create conditions for negotiations, rather than evidence that the EU wants the war to continue.
In June 2026, the European Council called on Russia to accept a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations on a just peace, according to the source material. In September, EU defence ministers discussed continued military support for Ukraine alongside diplomatic efforts and possible future security guarantees.
On 30 September, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said increased European defence spending should enable European countries to take greater responsibility for the security of their own region. The material quotes him as describing this as strengthening Europe “in a stronger NATO”, rather than preparing for an offensive war against Russia.
The source also refers to Russian nuclear threats concerning Kaliningrad. It says Rutte emphasised NATO’s defensive character, called on Russia to stop making nuclear threats and said the Alliance was ready to defend NATO territory. The material presents this as a combination of deterrence and efforts to prevent uncontrolled escalation.
It further says European governments are responding to Russian hybrid operations through legal measures, sanctions, counter-intelligence, protection of critical infrastructure and diplomatic pressure. Joint monitoring of the information environment and coordination with NATO and international partners are described as measures intended to protect citizens and democratic institutions from external interference.
