With concerns about a potential war with Russia in the near future, NATO’s European members are starting to strengthen defenses against a possible Russian invasion. The head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service recently stated, “Russia is preparing for a war with the West.”

The intelligence chief warned that a large-scale attack on NATO is unlikely. Instead, Moscow might conduct a limited incursion or intensify hybrid warfare tactics to test the alliance’s resolve. NATO is preparing for both an outright war and subtle destabilization efforts.

The former head of NATO’s Multinational Corps Northeast stated that Russia has various ways to test the alliance’s unity, including limited territorial acquisitions. He shared this insight with Newsweek before leaving his post in November.

The urgency has become evident to senior military and political officials. In September, Andrius Kubilius, the EU defense commissioner, stated that defense ministers and NATO commanders believe Russian President Vladimir Putin could be ready for a confrontation with NATO and the EU in six to eight years.

In February, Estonia’s foreign intelligence service warned that NATO might face a Soviet-style mass army within the next decade if Russia reforms its military. While the Russian army would be “technologically inferior” in most areas, its overall military potential could still be significant.

“We must take these assessments seriously and prepare quickly,”  a former Lithuanian prime minister said. “This requires swift and ambitious decisions.” NATO is striving to raise defense spending beyond the requested two percent of GDP across Europe.

Many countries have struggled to meet this benchmark since the Cold War ended. According to a November report, Germany is developing plans to protect key buildings from attacks and facilitate the movement of large numbers of soldiers heading east in Europe.

In January, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia signed an agreement to strengthen border security with Russia and Belarus. Belarus, a key ally of Russia, was used as a launch point for the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The country connects Russia to its Kaliningrad exclave, located between NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Poland has initiated its $2.5 billion “East Shield” project, the largest effort to bolster its eastern border and NATO’s eastern flank since 1945.

Lithuania and Latvia have installed Dragon’s Teeth, concrete blocks meant to halt tank advances and protect against mechanized infantry. This fortification is prevalent in Ukraine. In addition to military preparations, civilian initiatives are also underway. In mid-November, Sweden, NATO’s newest member, released a brochure to help residents prepare for and respond to crises or war.

The pamphlet details a heightened state of alert, how citizens can contribute to wartime efforts, and the sounds of different sirens. “Military threat levels are increasing,” it warns. We must prepare for the possibility of an armed attack on Sweden.”

Norway has released a leaflet on managing extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage, and potential acts of war. Finland likewise provides guides on preparing for war. According to the Latvian government, in January, the Baltic states highlighted the need to enhance NATO air defenses on the eastern flank.

Europe faces a significant shortage of air defense systems, though officials have not shared specific details. Freer stated that Western European countries are taking meaningful steps to enhance NATO’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities, learning from Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.

James 1:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.