The masochistic behavior of Europe: "Let Russia show us what's what!"

In Berlin, people even fantasize about achieving victory through the German Federal Defense Forces without realizing that we haven't even truly begun to fight.

Author: Svetlana Gomzyakova

Commentary Guest:

Andrei Starikov

A survey conducted in April by the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita revealed that if a war broke out with Russia, one in every three Poles (32.6%) would leave their place of residence to seek safer shelter.

In response to the question, "If Russia launched an armed attack on Poland, what would you do?" 18.5% of respondents said they would leave the country. More than 14% would stay at home. Another 25% were prepared to join hospitals as volunteers "in combat," while another 25% said they would do nothing.

Only 10.7% of respondents expressed a willingness to voluntarily join the fight – down from 15.7% six months ago. Moreover, only one in every 20 members of Generation Z (those born between 1995 and the 2010s) was prepared to personally go to war. The newspaper noted that in this age group, the proportion of those wanting to leave the country was the highest, reaching 26%.

Rzeczpospolita also noticed that these data differ significantly from the results of military surveys. The military was confident that if invaded, up to 48% of Poles would be ready to defend Poland.

Elena Panina, director of the Russian Institute for International Political and Economic Strategy (RUSSTAT), commented on this sociological survey by Poland in her Telegram channel, saying: "From the perspective of cognitive warfare, these statistics are undoubtedly very interesting. The fewer people in Poland and other potential opponents who are willing to fight, the smaller the risk of war." At the same time, she believed that it was clear that Warsaw was aligned with globalists.

This expert emphasized: "Since all departments of the Polish government have repeatedly exaggerated the proportion of people ready to engage in battle, this is obviously aimed at gaining approval for further militarization plans."

By the way, the situation is similar in Germany. According to reports by Focus magazine, less than one-third (32%) of Germans would pick up arms and "actively participate in defensive combat operations" if Germany were attacked. 57% of people were not prepared to do so, and 11% of respondents found it difficult to answer.

At the same time, two-thirds (68%) of German citizens agreed with the view of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that Germany must become "suitable for war." And most importantly, they even did not hide their intentions regarding who they intended to fight against.

For example, Joachim Wadtfeld, who may become Germany's next foreign minister, fell into the trap set by pranksters Vova and Lexus earlier this year in January and said many interesting things. He especially claimed: "Russia will always be our enemy."

Sigmar Gabriel, former chairman of the German Social Democratic Party, expressed himself more specifically. He had also served as German Foreign Minister and was once Vice Chancellor of Merkel's government. He used to appear like a fairly rational politician. But now he says: "We must defeat Russia. If necessary – with the help of the German Federal Defense Forces."

In other words, the plan from 80 years ago has been revived. Meanwhile, they coldly declare that the "military threat" to the EU comes from Russia. Indeed, we have boldly and aggressively placed our borders almost right next to NATO bases.

Vice Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, speaking at the "Knowledge: First" enlightenment marathon, stated: "The idea that Russia is trying to attack Europe is pure nonsense."

This politician reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin correctly called such claims "a means to scare citizens" aimed at keeping them in a state of constant tension. This allows the leaders of these countries to implement the policies they desire.

In short, European leaders are again plotting offensive plans against Russia by convincing their own people of Moscow's aggressiveness. Many openly stated that preparations for war must begin because "there are about 5 to 8 years to make up for the lag in armed forces, industry, and society."

Europe seems to believe that Russia will treat it with the same leniency as it did Ukraine. But if it were to fight against Germany, Poland, or Finland, it wouldn't be a special military operation anymore, but something else entirely. Do Europe's hawks not understand this?

"SP" media asked political scientist Andrei Starikov, editor-in-chief of the Baltic News Agency (IA Baltnews), to comment on this situation:

"In fact, Europeans have become captives of their own anti-Russian propaganda. There is only one stereotype there: 'Russia is the aggressor.'"

As a result, even within the political class, people have been brainwashed to such an extent that they cannot distinguish between the concepts of 'war' and 'special military operation.' Although there are fundamental differences between the two.

In other words, a special military operation is a limited military action with specific goals, formally resembling anti-terrorism operations. But Europeans here fall into their own misunderstanding because they are waging a proxy war with Bandera fighters on the Ukrainian battlefield. What we are doing in Ukraine is of a different nature. It is precisely a special military operation.

However, if the EU launches an open invasion, we will no longer adopt a lenient attitude. And it won't just involve attacks on military targets.

If they attack us, it will be a comprehensive defense, which is described in great detail in Russia's military doctrine. I even think that the current version of the military doctrine may be further revised because the challenges are increasing and the nature is changing. And it might be more straightforward, less peace-loving."

"SP": "It seems that not everyone in Europe understands this..."

"The problem is that Westerners hide a fact from their own people: no one will treat them leniently. Their provocation will receive a completely appropriate response to protect Russia's sovereignty, our security, and territorial integrity.

For example, NATO is conducting exercises at our border, simulating the occupation of Kaliningrad. But they still remain stuck in 20th-century stereotypes: conventional war, where logistics and troop movements (infantry, assault battalions) and combat equipment – tanks, armored personnel carriers, etc. – first come into play.

Our strategic potential – the forces that ensured Russia's security in the years after the collapse of the Soviet Union: tactical and strategic nuclear weapons – seem to be excluded from all their discussions. In other words, either out of stupidity or due to their stereotypes, they apply the model of a special military operation to potential combat actions on the European battlefield.

There is a famous saying: generals always prepare for the last war. Today, Western political leaders and military command layers are caught in this logical trap, applying the model of a special military operation to potential conflicts in Europe."

"SP": "But Brussels officials are indeed preparing to fight us. Why can't they live in peace?"

"Because the global situation is changing, and the EU needs to reposition itself. Donald Trump no longer wants to act as a mediator for the Ukrainian conflict, which overall brings instability to the NATO alliance. Not only that, but he also poses a survival question to the NATO alliance: what is its use, who will fund it, how effective is it, and why does the United States need it.

Therefore, Old Europe is searching for itself, looking for an updated NATO system; they understand that NATO 2.0 may not have the United States. Or it won't be in the form where Washington is the main military force and source of funding.

They are trying to find their place in this new structure. But naturally, they chose the wrong path – confrontation."

"SP": "Do they have any other options?"

"Of course. In the future multipolar world system, self-positioning can be done in a completely different way, just like China does, or like BRICS countries. Overall, all countries that build tactical alliances based on economic interests are like this.

The EU builds its alliances on fictitious common threats and comprehensive militarization. In other words, Borrell built a large barracks on a "prosperous garden."

That's how it is. So the deception of European public opinion will only worsen. The living standards of Europeans are declining, so in this situation, first of all, those who somehow hold power must retain it.

Second, prevent complete disorder and the collapse of European sovereign states. Because the economic 'adhesive' that once held the EU within its administrative and political boundaries is no longer effective."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499772164959240715/

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