Kubilius: Europe Should Prepare for More Attacks Following Suspected Targeted Killing in Poland
Poinews.com – European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is growing increasingly restless, urging the continent to brace for potential attacks on its own soil. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, noting that the Russian leader is employing more aggressive tactics to destabilize Europe’s security.
Provocations on the Eastern Flank
Speaking at the European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels on Tuesday, Kubilius highlighted the rising frequency of provocations directed at the Baltics and eastern territories. “These actions are not isolated,” he stated, suggesting they could be part of a broader strategy to challenge NATO’s presence.
“Unfortunately, there may be more such attacks — and even worse ones. Not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe,” Kubilius said.
The Killing of Semyon Skrepetsky
The incident involved the killing of Russian dissident Semyon Skrepetsky, who resided in Poland under the name Robert Kuzovkov, on June 8. Known for his politically charged artwork that blended satire with political caricature, much of his work critiqued Russia’s political elite, including a notable piece depicting Putin in the embrace of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
Polish prosecutors reported that Skrepetsky was shot multiple times before the suspect fled the scene. A person holding a Georgian passport, from a former Soviet republic, has since been arrested in connection with the attack. Local officials have suggested the killing might be linked to a sabotage effort by Moscow, designed to sow fear among Ukraine’s closest allies.
“Speaking in Brussels last Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that the event might mark the first instance of ‘state-sponsored terrorism’ occurring within European borders,” the article noted.
Europe’s Defense Preparedness
Kubilius used Skrepetsky’s death as a warning that Europe must not underestimate Russian threats. “If the 27 member states fail to meet defensive production targets, more shocks could follow,” he said. The commissioner pointed out that Russia remains ahead in military output, capable of deploying millions of drones, and that Putin continues to pose a risk to European stability.
He questioned whether the EU is prepared to defend itself and deter aggression. “Putin is still willing and able to test Article 5,” Kubilius argued, stressing the urgency of accelerating defense reforms.
Strategic Shifts and Market Integration
The need for Europe to scale up its defense capacity has become more critical as the United States plans to withdraw strategic enablers worth €500 billion from the continent over the next decade. Further cuts are expected after a six-month assessment of US military presence.
Kubilius outlined steps to enhance European defense, including reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving military mobility, and promoting joint procurement projects. However, he underscored that a fully integrated defense market is essential to speed up the transformation of demand and defense doctrines across the continent.
The European Commission is set to present a communication on unifying the 27 fragmented defense markets next week, followed by a proposal to overhaul procurement rules for smoother production. Despite allocating €150 billion in SAFE loans, Kubilius argued that Europe must now focus on creating a market for its own defense products.
Currently, Europe produces only 250 cruise missiles in the last year, with no ballistic missiles manufactured. “Ukraine is producing much more,” he said, highlighting the gap in defense capabilities and the importance of urgent action.
Contrasting Views on the Threat
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov countered the claims, dismissing Moscow as the primary threat. Instead, he accused Europe of becoming a major danger to global peace, according to the article.
