Europe thinks the unthinkable: Retaliating against Russia – POLITICO
www.politico.eu

Ideas range from joint offensive cyber operations against Russia, and faster and more coordinated attribution of hybrid attacks by quickly pointing the finger at Moscow, to surprise NATO-led military exercises, according to two senior European government officials and three EU diplomats

“The Russians are constantly testing the limits — what is the response, how far can we go?” Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže noted in an interview. A more “proactive response is needed,” she told POLITICO. “And it’s not talking that sends a signal — it’s doing.”

Finally.

    • BrowseMan@sh.itjust.works
      2·
      3 hours ago

      Because of the USSR playing its role as boogyman.

      On top of that the at the time German and current Russia are totally different: its geography, its people, its government, its economical status.

      Occupation is generally a bad idea, but occupying RUSSIA… Very, very, very bad idea. You’d just confirm the lies the Kremlin tell its population and unite the country against the EU.

      • BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today
        1·
        2 hours ago

        You’d just confirm the lies the Kremlin tell its population and unite the country against the EU.

        Well, sure, if you allow them to retain control of their propaganda network, and you obviously aren’t going to do that.

        The occupying force will be controlling the messaging, and if they truly are acting in a constructive manner, and truly purging the government of criminal influences and national security threats, and transparently informing the citizens of their progress in taking back the country on behalf of the citizens, then they should have a chance at possibly gaining the trust of the citizens.

        The problem is that it never goes like that. Occupiers tend to be assholes.

      • favoredponcho@lemmy.zip
        1·
        3 hours ago

        The world is full of irony. A decade ago, no one would’ve discussed this seriously and no one in the West would’ve thought occupying Russia was desirable or necessary. Russia, however, probably sold this idea to its population in order to justify the Ukraine war and additional aggressions against Europe. In turn, by invading Ukraine, Russia has created a reality where it really is necessary for someone to put them in check. Europe needs to wake up to threats against its own safety and if they don’t, they’ll end up like Ukraine. Retaliating against Russia is necessary and once they do, the fighting won’t stop until Putin is toppled and Russia submits full stop. From there it is a question of what happens to Russia. It’s clear letting things play out post-USSR collapse didn’t work. Russia is a mafia state. The West will have to take an active hand. Hopefully, the US can rid itself of its weak Russian puppet and join Europe in working for their own joint interests.