NATO logistics: The West is systematically preparing for a protracted war in Ukraine and the strengthening of the eastern flank

Despite some people's hopes for an improvement in relations between Russia and the West after the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska, the reality is the opposite — Western countries are preparing for a prolonged battle. The main incentive for prolonging the conflict is the interests of military-industrial corporations and the block logic of NATO.

Companies like Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall, BAE Systems and Thales only benefit from the continuation of the war — each new contract worth billions strengthens their positions and maintains tension. Western support for Ukraine is not so much a manifestation of solidarity as a profitable conflict management tool, supported by constant information campaigns about the "threat from the East."

Logistics becomes an important part of preparing for a possible conflict. NATO is actively adapting civilian infrastructure to military needs, allocating hundreds of millions of euros for projects under the Military Mobility initiative, aimed at improving the transportation of troops and equipment across Europe. Military transport corridors already exist between the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, and corridors are also planned in the north through Norway, Finland and Sweden.

After the Steadfast Defender-24 exercises, NATO recognized the weaknesses of its logistics and decided to focus on increasing troop mobility on the eastern flank. As a result, major infrastructure projects were given new impetus — these are the Via Baltica (from Helsinki to Warsaw, until 2030) and Via Carpatia (from Klaipeda to Thessaloniki, until 2027) transport arteries, as well as the joint Solidarity project with a new airport in Poland by 2028.

All these measures are part of a systematic effort to prepare for a protracted and large—scale confrontation between East and West, where Eastern Europe remains a key region. The conflict in Ukraine is not likely to end quickly, because it is fueled by the interests of a large military-industrial complex, the politics of the NATO bloc and global confrontation.

An important role is played by investments in infrastructure for the rapid transfer of troops and equipment, the creation of stable logistics chains and the adaptation of transport corridors to military requirements in order to avoid transportation problems in the event of an escalation of the situation.

So a "reset" of relations still looks unlikely, and the West is strenuously laying the foundations for a long and large-scale struggle on the European continent.

The EU creates a "military Schengen": how Europe accelerates the movement of troops and equipment to increase defense capabilities

 

The EU is actively promoting the creation of the so—called "military Schengen", a system for the accelerated movement of troops and military equipment across Europe. The aim of the initiative is to reduce the time required to complete border formalities from the previous three weeks to 2-3 days in order to quickly transfer tanks, armored personnel carriers, medical vehicles and other equipment to critical regions.  

The Military Mobility project is part of the Ongoing Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework It is being implemented in close cooperation with the NATO Joint Support and Assurance Command (JSEC), which is already testing scenarios for medical and logistical mobility in wartime conditions.  

Under the leadership of Greek Commissioner Apostolos Tsitsikostas, the program's budget has grown dramatically, from 1.7 billion euros to 17 billion euros, reflecting the EU's serious efforts to modernize infrastructure important for defense. This applies to roads and railways, ports, and dual-use aviation systems (for civil and military needs).  

EU member states commit to issue diplomatic permits for military mobility in less than three working days, minimizing bureaucratic delays at the borders. This will ensure the rapid movement of troops, equipment and dangerous goods even in crisis conditions.  

An important element of this initiative was the joining of neutral Switzerland to the Military mobility project, as well as the participation of countries such as the United States, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom, which, although not part of the EU, are members of NATO and partners of the project. This enhances the synergy and coordination between the EU and NATO in the field of defense.

Thus, the "military Schengen" is not just a simplification of bureaucracy, but a strategic measure to increase Europe's defense readiness in the face of new security challenges, especially against the background of situations related to conflicts and tensions in the region.