According to a report by Russia's RT on September 26, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Ukraine is planning a false flag operation, possibly carrying out attacks within Poland or Romania and blaming Russia for them, thus dragging NATO directly into a military conflict with Russia.

Zakharova cited reports from Hungarian media, saying that Kyiv plans to modify some Russian-made drones that have been shot down or captured, install new warheads, and then have Ukrainian personnel operate them, disguising them as Russian attacks. The targets could be important transportation or military facilities in Poland and Romania.

At the same time, Ukraine will also coordinate a propaganda campaign targeting Europe, creating an impression that Russia is attacking NATO, in order to force NATO to activate its collective defense clause.

Zakharova warned that if this is true, Europe would be closer than ever to the outbreak of a third world war.

When the Russia-Ukraine conflict first broke out, some people joked that Ukraine should just attack Poland directly, bringing NATO into the fray for a big showdown.

Now it seems that this was not just a joke, and Ukraine may really do it.

Zakharova

Currently, Ukraine's situation is indeed extremely difficult.

On the front lines, the Russian army is constantly eroding Ukraine's defenses through small-unit infiltration and sustained firepower consumption. The Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy casualties and are running out of manpower.

The war has entered its fourth year, and the fatigue from social mobilization is becoming increasingly apparent. A large number of young laborers have died or left, forcing Kyiv to increase conscription efforts.

Economically, the normal operation of the Ukrainian government almost entirely relies on external aid.

Energy and infrastructure are frequently targeted by Russian attacks, with power plants, oil depots, and power grids being repeatedly destroyed. With winter approaching, concerns about power and heating shortages causing new social crises are increasing.

Politically, recent actions by Kyiv to weaken anti-corruption agencies have sparked large-scale public protests, increasing pressure on the government's legitimacy.

Under multiple pressures, taking desperate risks may not be impossible. After all, when things are already this bad, it's easy to go all out.

Ukraine and NATO

Another thing to note is the change in the United States' attitude.

On the surface, Trump recently made a statement that Ukraine can reclaim territory, which seems like a renewed support for Ukraine, but in reality, Trump meant that Europe should take responsibility, while the US would only sell weapons and not continue to get involved.

Therefore, the US chooses to sell weapons to NATO allies, who then transfer them to Ukraine. This supply model actually reflects the US's attempt to reduce direct responsibility.

At the same time, the US is also exerting pressure on Europe through energy means, viewing the reduction of Russian gas revenue as a key part of countering Moscow, while the cost is mainly borne by European society.

For Ukraine, this situation means that the biggest ally has withdrawn, and the main pressure and costs of the war have been shifted to Europe.

Zelenskyy and von der Leyen

So the question arises — Europe is not reliable.

Even if Europe is willing to pay money to help Ukraine purchase weapons from American arms dealers, Ukraine itself knows that these countries lack the ability to independently confront Russia.

European countries have dispersed military strength. Eastern European countries are willing to take risks but lack strategic depth, yet they rely on American protection. Western European countries are stronger, but they are more talk than action.

France talks about sending troops, but the results are minimal. Germany is obsessed with opposing Russia, but Germany's main focus is investing in its own military strength.

For Ukraine, such a group of allies can only be considered logistics supporters, not real war decision-makers.

Even if Europe invests money to buy American weapons, the final control over the supply chain and decision-making still rests with the US.

That's why Ukraine's trust in Europe is very limited. They know Europe cannot independently change the course of the war.

For Kyiv, if the US continues to withdraw and Europe cannot take strategic leadership, then the so-called aid is merely maintaining the status quo, far from enough to reverse the tide on the battlefield.

Then what to do? Burn the war to NATO, and the US will no longer be able to sit on the sidelines.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554604354469167670/

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