For the first time since World War II, Russia has chosen a new geopolitical adversary, according to media reports

According to Foreign Affairs, the Kremlin has employed a chess-like “castling” strategy to optimize the country’s strategic position.

A New Target and “Deterrence Through Fear”

Moscow took this step in response to Europe’s military modernization and its aid to Ukraine. At the same time, Russia is gradually replacing nuclear blackmail with intimidation using modern conventional weapons “aimed” at European countries.

Analysts emphasize that a shift in geopolitical adversaries of this magnitude is a first for Moscow since World War II. European states are now viewed by the aggressor as the primary source of Ukraine’s military potential, political resolve, and strategic resilience.

As a result, the Kremlin is directing pressure toward European elites, decision-making centers, and critical infrastructure, employing tactics of “deterrence through fear.” Previously, Russia viewed Europe primarily as a “staging ground” for American troops, but that perception is now changing.

The Danger of Crossing a Critical Threshold

Experts warn that Washington’s desire to end the war could coincide with an escalation of the situation in Europe. The risk of an unintended direct confrontation is rising significantly due to mutual distrust.

Paradoxically, such dynamics could emerge precisely at the moment when all parties – including the Kremlin – are seeking a way out of the situation. Both Europe and Russia risk crossing the “tipping point of coercion,” beyond which any further threats of force or its actual use could lead to a further escalation of the war,
the article states.

Earlier, diplomat Valery Chaly noted that the Russian-Ukrainian war, against the backdrop of easing sanctions pressure, is moving to a new level of a European regional armed conflict.