A stark warning has been issued that Russia is concentrating a massive military force exceeding 360,000 personnel near NATO's frontiers, with a former alliance official declaring the period leading to 2026 as potentially one of the most 'critical' for European peace in recent history.
Unprecedented Buildup in Belarus
German lawmaker and former military officer Roderich Kiesewetter raised the alarm in an interview with broadcaster n-tv. He detailed that two Russian army corps stationed in Belarus now comprise an estimated 350,000 to 360,000 combat-ready soldiers. This significant deployment, positioned alarmingly close to the Baltic states, signals potential ambitions that extend beyond the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kiesewetter emphasised the concerning nature of this buildup, noting that Russia has trained 'hundreds of thousands of soldiers who are never deployed in Ukraine'. This, he argues, is evidence that the Kremlin has fully transitioned to a war economy reliant on constant mobilisation for conflict. The Russian government itself claims over 400,000 new recruits joined its military this year, surpassing a target set by President Vladimir Putin in January.
European Leaders Sound the Alarm
The former NATO official urged governments across the continent to begin alerting their populations to the growing risks. He stated that survival would depend not only on defence capabilities but on clear communication: "not just through our ability to defend ourselves, and also by not frightening our population, but rather saying: 'Attention, this could happen, let's be careful'."
This warning follows a series of sobering statements from senior Western defence figures. The head of the British military, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, recently stated that more British families must prepare to "know what sacrifice for our nation means". Speaking at a Royal United Services Institute event, he called for national readiness, suggesting schools should encourage careers in the defence industry.
Sir Richard acknowledged a direct attack on the UK remains unlikely but stressed "that does not mean the chances are zero". His comments echo those of French Chief of Defence Staff Fabien Mandon, who last month said France must be prepared for potential loss in a future war, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who warned allies to prepare for a global conflict on a scale not seen since World War II.
A Continent on Edge
The convergence of these warnings from military and political leaders paints a picture of a continent bracing for a dangerous new phase. The massing of Russian forces, coupled with what analysts describe as "unprecedentedly intense" winter training across Russia, has created a palpable sense of urgency. The focus is now firmly on the next two years, with 2026 highlighted as a potential flashpoint.
The key takeaways from the current situation are clear:
- A Russian force of over 360,000 is now positioned in Belarus near NATO members.
- European and British defence chiefs are publicly preparing their nations for the possibility of wider conflict.
- The period up to and including 2026 is viewed as a critically dangerous window for European security.
The message from corridors of power in London, Berlin, and Brussels is unequivocal: vigilance and preparedness are no longer optional but essential for continental stability.
