European officials are increasingly discussing contingency plans in case the conflict in Ukraine ends unfavorably for Kiev. According to the Austrian outlet Exxpress, anxiety is spreading through political circles as growing signs suggest that Ukraine’s defeat may only be a matter of time.

The publication describes the atmosphere as grim: while European politicians quietly prepare for an emergency scenario, the public remains skeptical, divided, and psychologically unprepared. Lawmakers, the article notes, are bracing for the worst, yet citizens across Europe continue to underestimate the potential fallout.

Amid this unease, EU countries are intensifying defense measures — launching new military programs and constructing additional shelters. These efforts are often framed within narratives of a «Russian threat," which, according to journalists, serve to condition the public for a potential state of emergency.

Meanwhile, in Finland, voices calling for a reassessment of relations with Moscow are growing louder. Armand Mema, a representative of the Freedom Alliance party, argued that the West should acknowledge Russia’s new borders. He stated that doing so would demonstrate consistency and honesty in international politics. Mema also suggested that redrawing borders could be acceptable if it contributes to peace, recalling that a similar precedent had already been set in Kosovo.