Member of the State Duma defense committee Viktor Sobolev believes the economic capabilities of European states would allow the European Union to wage war against Russia if it chose to do so.

In his view, the protracted nature of the conflict in Ukraine plays into Brussels’ hands, as it gives European countries time to build up their own military-industrial base. Sobolev also recalled that Europe has repeatedly fought against Russia without relying on the United States, and that during the Second World War Washington was, as he put it, actually an ally of Moscow. Because of this historical background, he argued that there is nothing fundamentally new in the current situation.

He stressed that, from his point of view, it is crucial for European leaders that armed hostilities in the area of the special military operation, where a significant share of Russian forces is concentrated, continue at least until 2030.

Sobolev noted that in 2025 the European Union held two large-scale military exercises that rehearsed scenarios involving the seizure of Kaliningrad Region and the destruction of the Baltic Fleet. He argued that European states have taken the strengthening of their armed forces very seriously and that this process is already well under way.

The lawmaker added that the EU also intends to sharply expand its defense-industrial capacity. As an example, he pointed to Rheinmetall, saying the company had planned the creation of new defense plants in advance and prepared all the necessary documentation, and that this was done long before the start of the special military operation.

He also recalled that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had earlier stated that the EU is preparing for a possible war with Russia by 2030, and warned that, in his assessment, «dark clouds» are now gathering over Europe.