Russian security chief sounds alarm over EU’s war preparations, attempt to create NATO's Asian analogue

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu has stated that European countries aim to be prepared for war with Russia by 2030.

"An undisguised campaign is unfolding in Europe to prepare for military conflict with the Russian Federation. Timelines for such a confrontation are being voiced at various levels — ranging from three to five years. By 2030, European politicians and military leaders want to be ready to wage war against us," said the Security Council Secretary in an interview with TASS, per Caliber.Az.

Shouigu said that Western countries have set a course to create an Asian equivalent of NATO while simultaneously attempting to dismantle the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Western efforts are focused on forming various closed military-political alliances in the Asia-Pacific region: the trilateral bloc of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and the AUKUS military alliance (comprising the US, the UK, and Australia). At the same time, London, Paris, Ottawa, and Brussels, while persistently trying to integrate into ASEAN-centric formats, are promoting the narrative that ASEAN is incapable of adequately responding to security challenges," Shoigu emphasized.

"The West has essentially embarked on a path aimed at dismantling the organization and, in essence, creating an Asian version of NATO."

"A special focus is placed on the potential inclusion of India in such structures, although India has made it clear that it is not particularly interested in participating in such alliances," he continued.

Shoigu also noted that the tariff policies of former US President Donald Trump have had a negative impact on the political climate in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The situation in the Asia-Pacific is complex and tends to deteriorate. This is largely due to Western attempts to weaken mechanisms of multilateral cooperation in the field of regional security, including those within the framework of ASEAN, and to create long-term hotspots of tension," added the Russian Security Council secretary.

In March, the European Commission presented a Defence White Paper outlining a European security strategy, which includes allocating funds to support Ukraine and deter Russia. To implement the €800 billion ReArm Europe program, an increase in defence spending at the EU member state level is proposed, along with a €150 billion loan to finance the strengthening of the bloc's military capabilities through joint purchases from European manufacturers.

By Khagan Isayev