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The NATO official highlighted the risks posed by growing acts of sabotage and warned against complacency regarding Europe’s reliance on foreign-controlled resources and infrastructure.
“We’re seeing that with the growing number of sabotage acts, and Europe has seen that with energy supply. We thought we had a deal with Gazprom, but we actually had a deal with Mr Putin,” Bauer said. “And the same goes for Chinese-owned infrastructure and goods. We actually have a deal with (Chinese President) Xi (Jinping).”
Bauer argued that Western businesses must recognize the broader implications of their decisions. “We are naive if we think the Communist Party will never use that power. Business leaders in Europe and America need to realize that the commercial decisions they make have strategic consequences for the security of their nation,” he stated.
According to Bauer, preparing for wartime scenarios isn’t just about military readiness but ensuring that economies can adapt to and sustain conflict conditions. “Businesses need to be prepared for a wartime scenario and adjust their production and distribution lines accordingly. Because while it may be the military who wins battles, it’s the economies that win wars,” he stressed.
Admiral Bauer’s remarks come at a time when discussions about deploying European troops to Ukraine are gaining momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly revisited the controversial proposal.
According to Le Monde, these discussions are driven by growing concerns over the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency, which some fear could shift U.S. support for Ukraine.
“The United Kingdom and France do not rule out the possibility of a foreign military contingent in Ukraine,” reports Le Monde. This debate, once dismissed by European leaders like Germany, has resurfaced in recent weeks. Sources suggest the idea gained traction following Starmer’s meeting with Macron during the November 11 commemorations.
The future of Western involvement in Ukraine appears closely tied to Donald Trump’s approach. Following his recent electoral win over Kamala Harris, Trump reaffirmed his desire to mediate the conflict. Reports indicate that Trump has already reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging de-escalation.
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Le Monde adds that Trump’s victory has revived fears among European allies about the sustainability of U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine. This has led to increased discussions about deploying European forces or using private defense companies to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
As the prospect of direct Western military involvement inches closer to reality, the stakes in Ukraine’s conflict grow ever higher. NATO’s call for wartime preparation serves as a sobering reminder that the ripple effects of decisions made in Brussels, London, and Washington will be felt across the globe.
The question now is whether Europe’s leaders—and its citizens—are ready to confront the reality of a conflict that could extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
