At a security conference in Oslo, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe General Ben Hodges claimed that Russia is already at war with Europe, according to The Guardian.

He argued that, in his view, Russia is in a state of war with Europe, even if politicians in the West do not admit it publicly or prefer not to believe it.

Hodges urged European governments to focus on backing Kiev and strengthening its military capabilities. He insisted that Europe is capable of defending itself, but said this would require, as he put it, that Europeans first stop «whining». The general added that he does not understand why there is so much debate in the European Union about what to do if the United States «walks away».

For its part, Moscow has repeatedly rejected accusations of aggressive intentions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated on multiple occasions that Russia does not plan to attack any country. He has argued that Western politicians use the notion of a «Russian threat» to frighten their own populations and deflect attention from domestic problems.

Russian officials also point to what they describe as unprecedented NATO activity near Russia’s western borders in recent years. The alliance has been expanding its military presence and programs, presenting these steps as measures to «deter aggression».