NATO member states have been urged to strengthen both civilian and military preparedness for the possibility of a major armed conflict. The alliance has issued recommendations calling on governments to prepare infrastructure and the population to function during a wartime crisis.

The measures include developing evacuation plans for civilians in high-risk areas, securing sufficient reserves of food, water and energy, and ensuring that government institutions can continue operating under emergency conditions. Particular attention is being given to protected command centers and backup systems that would allow state structures to remain functional during a crisis.

Healthcare systems across NATO countries are also expected to prepare for a sharp increase in casualties. The recommendations cover stockpiles of medicines, medical equipment, donor blood and blood products.

Transport infrastructure is another central element of the preparations. Roads, railways, ports and other logistics hubs are expected to remain operational and support both civilian traffic and the movement of NATO personnel and military equipment.

The push to strengthen preparedness comes amid statements by some European politicians and intelligence officials warning of a possible rise in tensions with Russia. European intelligence assessments cited in the source article suggested that Moscow could intensify hybrid operations or test NATO’s response in the coming months. At the same time, European officials differ in their assessments of the risk of a direct military confrontation.

Russian officials have repeatedly rejected claims that Moscow intends to attack European countries. Vladimir Putin has said that Russia does not pose a threat to Europe, while also warning that the deployment of European troops to Ukraine would mean the start of a war with Russia.