A senior NATO official has raised alarms about the possibility of a “wartime scenario” in Europe, as discussions intensify regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine.

Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of NATO’s military committee, made the comments in Brussels on Monday, stressing that businesses across Europe must be prepared for a worst-case scenario due to rising tensions with Russia.

Admiral Bauer highlighted the importance of ensuring that crucial services and goods can be delivered without disruption, a key component of deterrence in this volatile situation. “If we can make sure that all crucial services and goods can be delivered no matter what, then that is a key part of our deterrence,” Bauer said.

He went on to discuss the growing risks of sabotage in Europe, noting the impact on energy supplies, particularly regarding past agreements with Russian energy company Gazprom.

“We thought we had a deal with Gazprom, but we actually had a deal with Mr. Putin,” Bauer remarked, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in energy negotiations.

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He also expressed concerns over Chinese influence, particularly regarding Chinese-owned infrastructure. “We are naive if we think the Communist Party will never use that power,” Bauer warned.

Bauer called on business leaders in Europe and the U.S. to recognize that commercial decisions have strategic consequences for national security.

He urged companies to adjust their production and distribution lines to prepare for a potential wartime scenario. “While it may be the military who wins battles, it’s the economies that win wars,” Bauer stated.

Bauer’s remarks come amid growing concerns that the risk of all-out war with Russia continues to rise, especially after the Biden-Harris administration approved the use of U.S. long-range missiles capable of striking Russian territory.

These developments have heightened fears that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a broader war.

Reports from Le Monde indicate that both the United Kingdom and France are actively considering the idea of deploying troops to Ukraine in support of the anti-Russian war effort.

According to RBC Ukraine, Britain and France have not ruled out the possibility of sending a foreign military contingent to Ukraine, with the discussions reportedly gaining momentum following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Le Monde further reports that these discussions began as early as February, with French President Emmanuel Macron initially proposing the idea.

However, the plan faced significant opposition from other European countries, particularly Germany.

Despite this opposition, the initiative has been revived in recent weeks, particularly after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to France in November 2024.

The future of the war in Ukraine may ultimately hinge on the position taken by President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump, who has long advocated for diplomatic solutions, has suggested he would work toward bringing both sides to the negotiating table as soon as possible.

Following his victory over Kamala Harris, Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to avoid further escalation of the conflict.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the potential for wider military involvement by Western nations remains a topic of intense debate.

With NATO’s focus on strategic deterrence and the growing uncertainty surrounding the war, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, particularly as tensions with Russia escalate.

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