European countries are closely watching a growing Russian military threat, with some officials openly considering the possibility of an open or semi-open war in Eastern Europe. According to French security sources, the threat is real and may be increasing, though it has not yet reached the national territory of European countries beyond covert influence and interference. Currently, Russian military efforts are focused on the war in Ukraine, but Russian leadership views Europe as a crucial financial and material support base for Ukraine. This support gives Ukraine "strategic depth," meaning a buffer zone that allows it to continue its defense efforts. Russian military actions have increasingly targeted weapon depots and factories in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as supply lines that support Ukraine. There have also been threats against European industrialists who support Ukraine, including an unsuccessful attempt to attack Ukrainian planes at Leipzig airport in Germany and an attack on trains crossing the border between Ukraine and Poland. These actions suggest a broader strategy aimed at disrupting the flow of military and economic support to Ukraine. French intelligence officials believe that Russia's strategy could escalate further, possibly through sabotage or assassinations targeting defense industries in France or Italy. This would mark a "horizontal escalation," spreading the conflict beyond Ukraine and into the heart of Europe. European intelligence agencies seem to agree that a covert or semi-secret war could unfold, with no large-scale Russian military operations on European soil as long as Russian forces remain engaged in Ukraine. However, such a scenario could prompt a broader military response from NATO, which Russia is not prepared for. General Claesson, chief of staff of the Swedish armed forces, has warned that Russia has always been willing to take major strategic risks, as demonstrated by its failed invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite the costly outcome of that operation, Russia has not been deterred from taking similar risks in the future. This suggests that European nations must remain vigilant and prepared for a wide range of potential threats from Russia, both in Ukraine and beyond.