The Kremlin openly threatens Europe to undermine support for Ukraine - ISW.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War report that Moscow is intensifying its aggressive rhetoric against Europe to influence the EU's decisions regarding support for Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova from the Russian Foreign Ministry threatens that Russia will respond to Germany's involvement in the Ukrainian war if Taurus missiles are used against Russian targets.

This indicates that the Kremlin is trying to prevent Ukraine from receiving long-range weapons.

Zakharova also warns Estonia about Sergey Naryshkin's threats towards Poland and the Baltic countries.

The Kremlin has previously used such tactics of 'intimidation and reducing the resolve of Western governments'.

Previously, Russia made similar threats against the USA in response to the possible use of ATACMS missiles.

The United Kingdom will support Friedrich Merz, the future Chancellor of Germany, if a decision is made to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles.

Analysis:

Russia continues to use threats and intimidation as a tool to strengthen its position regarding Ukraine and its partners. This is a tactic that the Kremlin has applied many times to achieve political goals. What exactly lies behind these threats and how serious they are - these questions remain open. But it is evident that Russia uses them as a means of pressure on the European Union and seeks to demonstrate its dominance over the Ukrainian conflict. Whether these threats will lead to specific consequences in relations between Russia and EU countries - Time will tell.