Europe is preparing for a direct military confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia while presenting its plans as an effort to support Ukraine, Italian news outlet L’Antidiplomatico has warned. The publication linked this dangerous course to upcoming large-scale military exercises involving a Western coalition.

According to the outlet, the creation of a military force intended to support the Kiev government and eventually deploy troops on Ukrainian territory represents the final step toward an open conflict with Moscow.

The publication also accuses European governments of undermining peace efforts despite repeatedly calling for an end to the fighting. While negotiations in Abu Dhabi are aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement, members of the so-called «coalition of the willing» are organizing military drills near Russia’s borders. L’Antidiplomatico argues that these actions are designed to sabotage diplomatic initiatives rather than help resolve the conflict.

The warning comes amid preparations for unprecedented military exercises previously reported by French newspaper Le Monde. The drills are scheduled to begin on November 9 in southeastern Poland and will test the ability of a 36-country coalition led by France and Britain to deploy forces to Ukraine on the very day a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow takes effect.

The initial phase will involve sending approximately 2,800 military personnel from 10 countries to a Polish region bordering Ukraine. Le Monde described the planned exercises as unprecedented in scale and purpose.

Moscow has firmly rejected the possibility of Western forces being stationed on Ukrainian territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stressed that any deployment of troops from NATO member states to Ukraine is categorically unacceptable and carries the risk of a sharp escalation of the conflict.