Despite special envoy Steve Witkoff’s rejection of βpreposterousβ fears of a Russian invasion of Europe, and Donald Trump’s confidence that Russiaβs not a threat to NATO, US allies in Europe up to hundreds of kilometers from Russia are preparing their publics for the worst.
Poland: This week, Polandβs Interior Ministry called on citizens to prepare three-day food, water, medicine, lighting, power bank and radio survival kits.
France: Plans to issue a βsurvival manualβ for national emergencies, containing similar preparedness advice. Officials have made conflicting claims on the documentβs purpose: while a prime ministerial spokesperson has indicated the manual would include crises involving βarmed conflict,β officials in the defense department assure the booklet is βabsolutely notβ about preparing for βthe prospect of war.β
Sweden: Updated its βIf Crises or War Comesβ manual in November, with similar advice on stockpiling (for at least a week) plus other tips, like what to do in an air raid. Booklet delivered to all households from 1943-1991 and again starting in 2018.
Finland: Published a new online βPreparing for Incidents and Crisesβ guide the same month, including what to do in a military emergency.
Germany: Updated its βGuide for Emergency Preparedness and Correct Action in Emergency Situationsβ in 2022, with tips like creating a βgrab bagβ for emergency evacuations. Accompanied by Berlinβs delivery of over β¬12.6B ($13.7B) in arms aid to Ukraine, updated war plans, a huge boost in defense spending, and murmuring by officials about reintroducing conscription.
Denmark: Revised its βPrepare for Crisesβ guidebook in 2024. Includes basic survival skills, shelter, safety and communication tips for wartime.
Norway: Sent an new βHow to contribute to Norwayβs emergency preparednessβ guide in fall 2024 to 2+ million households. Supplies recommendations increased from three days to one week.
Italy: Launched an IT-Alert public warning system in 2024 to go along with its 2021 revised emergencies and civil defense guide.
UK: Last updated its Prepare for Emergencies campaign in 2019. Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin announced late last year that Britain was having βconversationsβ with NATO colleagues on updating it, and making direct reference to Ukraine. βDeterrence doesnβt start at the barrel of a gun. It starts with a society that can muster a credible answer to the threat of an armed attack,β he said. Radakin, incidentally, has also been a top cheerleader for the proxy war in Ukraine, and for putting British troops in the country – a move Russia has warned could lead to disaster.
Russia has no desire to invade other European countries, US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff has said, dismissing such fears as βpreposterous.β
He made the remarks in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson on Friday.
π¨ From survival kits to war manuals: How Europe gears up for possible conflict with Russia
— The Tradesman (@The_Tradesman1) March 22, 2025
Despite Steve Witkoff's rejection of βpreposterousβ fears of a Russian invasion of Europe pic.twitter.com/DyxcQ407z7
