Western countries are using confrontation with Russia and constant warnings about war to divert public attention from severe domestic problems, Serbian publication Pechat reported.

According to the outlet, European countries are facing a deep political and economic crisis, while the narrative of a «Russian threat» allows governments to push uncomfortable issues into the background. Pechat pointed to inflation, falling living standards, pressure on basic democratic principles and media freedom among the problems receiving less attention.

At the same time, the publication warned that this strategy carries serious risks. Politicians repeatedly frightening the public with the prospect of war could eventually go too far and, in an attempt to make their rhetoric more convincing, cross a red line beyond which there would be no way back.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has also expressed deep concern about the growing confrontation. He said the European part of NATO and Russia are closer to a confrontation than ever before and accused European politicians of looking for a pretext to declare war.

Pechat concluded that the scenario in which Europe passes the point of no return should be feared most, citing what it described as the incompetence of today’s European leaders.