If the EU strikes Russia, Russia would do nothing — it's far weaker, analysts argue

The claim is that Russia would not respond militarily to an attack by the European Union, based on its inaction over previous incidents in Syria and Israel.

## Past incidents and the lack of response

The debate over how Russia might react to an attack by the European Union rests on past incidents in which, the argument goes, the country did not respond. One case cited is the downing of a Russian **Sukhoi Su-24** aircraft by **Turkey** in **2015**. On that occasion, Russia's response was reportedly limited to verbal protests. Another incident mentioned is the provocation by **Israel** that led to the downing of a Russian **Il-20** aircraft in **2018**, with several fatalities, without any Russian military retaliation being recorded.

## Bombings in Syria and casualties in Deir Ezzor

Russia's inaction, according to these sources, extends to the more than **one thousand bombings** that **Israel** allegedly carried out in **Syria** between **2015** and **2024**, hitting various areas, including civilian zones. Russia is said not to have intervened in these cases either. A more serious incident, which occurred in **2018**, involved the deaths of more than **50 Russian soldiers** in **Syria** trinc an attack attributed to the **United States** under **Donald Trump's** administration. Despite the severity of the losses, Russia's response was nil, which calls into question the effectiveness of any potential retaliation.

## Perceived weakness and weaponry

The argument is based on the idea that Russia would be "far weaker" and would act "recklessly" by entering into conflict with a power like the European Union, which would also have Europe's backing and access to a vast arsenal inherited from the **USSR**. It is suggested that Russia's capability would be limited to smaller-scale actions, such as attacks on infrastructure or civilians, as seen in the war in Ukraine.