As Europe debates the future of peace talks with Russia, Ukraine has issued a stark warning about the possible consequences of an unfavorable deal.
Through its official fundraising and media platform, United24, Ukraine has presented a hypothetical but alarming scenario of what could unfold if Russia is allowed to regain influence in Europe.
The “Possible History” Project: A Glimpse into the Future
On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, United24 released a project titled “Possible History,” outlining a potential sequence of events from 2025 to 2030.
This forecast, based on intelligence reports from Estonia and Denmark, paints a grim picture: a future where Russia, emboldened by a lenient peace agreement, gradually expands its military presence and eventually wages war against NATO.
The scenario begins with Russia securing a favorable peace deal and its state-controlled media returning to Europe.
By mid-2025, military exercises in Belarus near NATO borders would signal the next phase of Moscow’s ambitions.
Within 15 months, with support from the pro-Russian regime in Transnistria, Moldova could fall under Russian control.
Rising Tensions and Cyber Warfare
Fast forward to 2027, and Europe could face massive disruptions as undersea internet cables are severed—an incident eerily similar to what occurred in the Baltic Sea in 2024.
The forecast suggests that by 2028, European citizens may be frantically searching online for terms like “hybrid war” and “nearest bomb shelters in Zurich,” foreshadowing an escalating crisis.
By mid-2029, pro-Russian governments in Slovakia and Hungary could agree to host Russian military bases.
This, in turn, would push European nations into emergency measures, reinstating conscription and significantly boosting military budgets at the cost of social programs.
The chilling forecast culminates in September 2030, when an aging Vladimir Putin declares a “special military operation” against NATO, with Russian forces crossing into Poland and Finland.
The Debate Over Peace Talks and Security Guarantees
Ukraine’s warning comes at a time of shifting political dynamics, particularly with a change in U.S. leadership.
Under President Biden, Ukraine received billions in military aid, but Donald Trump’s administration has taken a different approach, emphasizing negotiations with Russia.
U.S. and Russian representatives have met in Riyadh to discuss potential peace terms, but concerns are growing over Trump’s willingness to make concessions without securing strong protections for Ukraine.
A key point of contention is the presence of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.
While the UK and France have expressed willingness to send troops, Trump only recently agreed to the idea during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, the Kremlin quickly rejected this notion, labeling it as an “escalation.”
European Intelligence Agencies Sound the Alarm
Despite Russia’s claims that it “poses no threat to the UK,” intelligence agencies across Europe disagree.
Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) reported earlier this month that Russian intelligence services are actively preparing for sabotage missions across the continent.
The report warns that if a peace deal merely freezes the conflict in Ukraine, Russia could escalate its military presence near NATO’s northeastern flank, including the Baltics, within five years.
Denmark’s intelligence services reached a similar conclusion, cautioning that Russia could test NATO’s Article 5 commitment to mutual defense within three to five years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also voiced concerns, warning that Moscow could use its ally Belarus as a launching pad for further aggression against NATO countries.
A Dangerous Precedent: Russia’s Return to the Global Stage
Another pressing issue is how the international community would reintegrate Russia after years of war.
United24’s analysis suggests that if Ukraine is forced to make territorial concessions and peace is established without strong guarantees, Russia could use this as a stepping stone to further military actions.
By October 2026, the forecast warns, Russia could rapidly capture Moldova with the help of North Korean troops—who were reportedly already assisting Russia in 2024.
Experts fear that Moscow aims to keep Moldova in a state of “geopolitical limbo” by stoking internal divisions and delaying pro-Western reforms.
The Threat of Hybrid Warfare and Infrastructure Sabotage
Fears of Russian cyber warfare are also mounting.
European leaders have accused Moscow of orchestrating sabotage attacks, including the deliberate severing of undersea cables vital for global internet connectivity.
A former senior EU official warned that Europe is “totally unprepared” for Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, which include sabotage, cyberattacks, and political interference.
In late 2024, Russia reportedly tested shutting down parts of its internet to develop a sovereign network.
United24’s forecast highlights how continued cyber disruptions could severely impact European infrastructure, exposing vulnerabilities that Russia could exploit.
Moreover, lifting sanctions on Russia would likely empower its propaganda machine, allowing it to spread disinformation and influence public opinion across Europe.
Putin’s “Imperial Ambitions”: A Warning for the West
Despite Moscow’s claims of peaceful intentions, Ukraine warns that Putin harbors broader imperialistic goals.
United24’s analysis suggests that, having faced little consequence for its aggression in Ukraine, Russia could move forward with its vision of reuniting “imperial lands.”
This could include targeting the Baltic states, former Soviet republics, and even NATO countries.
To bring this dystopian vision to life, United24 incorporated AI-generated images to depict potential future events, adding a thought-provoking layer to their message.
The project ends with a clear call to action: “The course of history can still be changed. Peace is only possible through strength, not appeasement of a dictator.”
What’s Next for Europe?
As Ukraine’s warning gains international attention, the question remains: how will Europe respond?
With intelligence agencies raising alarms and political leaders debating the best course of action, the coming months could prove crucial in shaping the continent’s future security.
Whether nations choose to heed Ukraine’s warning or risk the consequences of inaction, one thing is certain—Europe’s geopolitical landscape is at a turning point.