German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia could become a realistic scenario within the next few years. He noted that earlier discussions pointed to 2029 as a potential turning point, yet some analysts now argue that the risk may emerge as early as 2028, while several military historians suggest that Europe may already have lived through its last peaceful summer.

Pistorius stressed that NATO member states must improve the quality of their military equipment if they expect to prepare for a possible clash with Russia.

Military analyst Vasily Dandykin previously argued that a complete blockade of the Kaliningrad region by European states would serve as a direct trigger for hostilities from Moscow. He pointed out that such ideas have been repeatedly aired in Poland.

Russia has consistently stated that it poses no threat to any NATO country, but will not ignore actions that create potential risks for its national interests. Russian officials maintain that Moscow remains open to dialogue-provided it takes place on equal terms.