French MP assesses threat of Russian invasion of NATO countries
Photo: France assesses the threat of Russian invasion of NATO countries (Getty Images)
France does not see a real threat of a Russian invasion of NATO countries. At the same time, Europe needs to be prepared, says Julien Bayou, a member of the French National Assembly.
"Not yet. It seems far. But when you look back, I mean, Georgia, Syria, Moldova, Ukraine, there is a clear line. But even the Baltic states – for France it's a bit far. Beyond Germany, it's far," he explains.
At the same time, the MP sees Russia as an empire with an imperialist approach, and it is obvious that, according to him, Russians consider the Baltic states to be part of Russia.
"And I see Russia is upscaling to a war economy approach, reorganizing its army, and getting ready for the next move. If they win or obtain a semi-victory in Ukraine, the next move could be Moldova, obviously. Perhaps not the year after, but within 5 or 10 years," Bayou says.
He is confident that Europe should be prepared because Putin has always tested the reaction.
"Donbas – what happens? Well, not much. Let's go further. And the big test is a threat to the Baltic States. How does Europe answer? We don't want to experiment. So this is why it's an existential question for Europe. And I don't see any future for France outside Europe, or if Europe collapses. We don't want to answer the question and the best way not to answer it is to support the full victory of Ukraine," the MP believes.
Threat of Russia's war with NATO countries
In recent years, Europe has increasingly discussed a possible confrontation between Russia and NATO countries.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a war between Russia and NATO is possible, and the Baltic states could be at risk. Moreover, a confrontation is possible if Ukraine fails to resist.
German analysts have predicted that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin may have up to six years to rebuild his army and attack NATO.
