A single remark from NATO’s top admiral has detonated a diplomatic firestorm, with Moscow now accusing the alliance of plotting a “pre-emptive strike” under the guise of defensive action. Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued its sharpest warning in months, calling the comment a deliberate move to sabotage Ukraine peace efforts and push Europe toward a new confrontation. As EU leaders ramp up calls for massive rearmament and NATO debates crossing long-standing red lines, both sides appear to be edging into dangerous new territory.