Schill did not specifically refer to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the risk of the conflict spreading. But he said “the sources of crisis are multiplying and carry with them risks of spiralling or extending”.
His comments are the latest stark assessment of the situation by a top European military commander.
Britain’s chief of the general staff, General Patrick Sanders, said in January that British citizens should be prepared to fight in a potential land war.
Sweden’s army chief Micael Byden also alarmed many of his compatriots when he said “Swedes have to mentally prepare for war”.
Maybe they don’t anticipate especially tough engagements, because two weeks ago French officials also clarified that any potential forces sent would likely support operations such as de-mining rather than direct combat with Russian forces.