Russia and the West 'actively preparing for war'
Think tank warns old enemies are increasing tensions with large-scale military exercises
![Vladimir Putin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dfJ93AzdkNAU2gaA8yBBad-415-80.jpg)
A European think tank has warned that Russia and Nato are "actively preparing" for war with each other.
Rival war games by the two sides represent the greatest military build-up in Europe since the Cold War, says the Daily Telegraph.
A report by the European Leadership Network (ELN) says leaders should consider scaling back military exercises and suggests a new arms treaty might prevent heightened tensions escalating.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Yesterday, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the conflict in Ukraine between pro-Russian rebels and loyalists was still "red hot", says The Times. He warned that separatists could still take more territory and said he could see no end in sight.
Fallon pledged to expand a British army training mission to Ukraine which provides expertise on urban defensive operations, planning and training. The number of troops involved is not expected to increase from 75, however.
The ELN looked at military activity including major exercises held by both Russia and Nato. While both sides insist the exercises target only a hypothetical enemy, the report's authors said they could only be aimed at each other.
The wrote: "Whilst spokespeople may maintain that these operations are targeted against only hypothetical opponents, the nature and scale of the operations indicate otherwise."
In March this year, the Russians mobilised 80,000 troops to engage in long-range deployments and simulated combat on a scale that meant Nato or the US were the only possible adversaries.
Nato's Allied Shield operation in June included a response to a cross-border infiltration by irregular forces – exactly the situation when Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014.
Both exercises focused on the geographic areas perceived as most vulnerable. Nato role-played a defence of the Baltic states while Russia 'defended' its Kaliningrad exclave, also on the Baltic.
The report warns there have been several near-miss incidents during the exercises and warns they could lead to confrontation in future, if the war-games carry on at this level.
The ELN writes: "If Russia or Nato decides at some point that they want to reduce tensions, showing restraint in terms of size or scenarios used for the exercises might be a good place to start."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
British defence: the crisis in the Armed Forces
Talking Point Depleted military power may not be able to meet its own commitment to up defence spending to 2.5%
By The Week UK Published
-
Iran at the nuclear crossroads
The Explainer Officials 'openly threatening' to build nuclear bomb, as watchdog finds large increase in enriched uranium stockpile
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
Why is Islamic State targeting Russia?
Today's Big Question Islamist terror group's attack on 'soft target' in Moscow was driven in part by 'opportunity and personnel'
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published