Europe is not ready for a real war with Russia, - Warsaw Security Forum.

Many gaps in air and missile defense have been identified in Europe, indicating the countries' unpreparedness for a real war. This was discussed at the "No Time to Lose - Preparing Europe For a Conventional War" panel at the Warsaw Security Forum.

"We still do not have an adequate (system - ed.) air and missile defense to protect our airports and seaports and critical infrastructure. We still... cannot move fast enough across Europe. So the issue of military mobility is still a problem that needs to be addressed," said Lieutenant General Ben Hodges.

The expert also noted that the Eastern flank countries of NATO, including Poland, are constantly strengthening their defense capabilities. However, several countries still hope that the threat will disappear.

"Imagine a week of what's happening in Ukraine, but - in Gdansk or Klaipeda, or Tallinn... We have to be ready for this. This concerns me the most because I don't think we can move as fast or faster than the Russian troops. We have not settled the issues regarding infrastructure and border crossing restrictions, it is still a problem. And therefore, for example, Lithuania may probably have to prepare for the worst-case scenario - two weeks until someone comes to aid," said Hodges.

A Member of the European Parliament from Poland noted that the European defense industry is not ready for a real war. He called for developing cooperation between the defense sectors of the EU countries, especially from the industrial side. At the same time, he pointed out the existence of a pro-Russian lobby in the European Parliament, which hinders preparation for war.

"But most political forces, fortunately, agree that we must do everything possible, and we need to accelerate our preparations also from a political side, to be ready for investments in defense programs and cooperation between member states," said the MEP.

Source: Ukrinform