France has directed hospitals across the country to prepare for a potential war in Europe, as Germany escalates its military alert amid ongoing Russian exercises. According to documents obtained by Le Canard Enchaîné, the French Ministry of Health has instructed health institutions to ready themselves for a “major engagement” scenario by March 2026, highlighting the growing concerns about regional security and military conflict.

The plan anticipates that France could serve as a supporting state capable of receiving a large influx of wounded soldiers, not only from within its borders but also from other European nations. The Ministry emphasized that the directive aims to “anticipate, prepare and respond to the health needs of the population while integrating the specific needs of defense in the health field.”

In the official guidance, the ministry warned:

“Among the risks identified, therefore, is the hypothesis of a major engagement where the health issue would consist of taking care of a potentially high influx of victims from abroad. It is therefore a question for our health system of anticipating the care of military patients in the civilian health system.”

Germany on High Alert

The French preparations come shortly after Germany’s Chief of Defence, Carsten Breuer, announced that NATO forces and German military units would remain on high alert as Russia conducts military exercises in Belarus under the Zapad 2025 exercise. While Breuer stated he does not anticipate an actual attack on NATO territory, he stressed the importance of vigilance:

“We don’t have any indication that preparations for an attack are being taken under the cover of the exercise. But we will be on our guard, not just the German forces, but NATO.”

These developments reflect rising concerns about escalating tensions in Europe and the possibility of conflict involving NATO and Russian forces.

NATO Chief Issues Stark Warning

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has further intensified concerns, warning in July that combined aggressive moves by Russia and China could trigger a global conflict. According to Rutte, a potential attack on Taiwan by China could coincide with a simultaneous strike by Russia on NATO territories, including the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Rutte warned:

“Let’s not be naïve about this. If Xi Jinping were to attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, residing in Moscow, and telling him, ‘Hey, I’m going to do this, and I need you to keep them busy in Europe by attacking NATO territory.'”

Russia responded to Rutte’s remarks with harsh rhetoric, calling the ex-Netherlands premier delusional and issuing a chilling warning of Siberian labor camps, highlighting the growing geopolitical tensions between Western and Eastern powers.

Urgent Call for Re-Arming

Rutte also stressed the urgent need for Western nations to increase defense spending and modernize military capabilities, highlighting Russia’s rapid rearmament:

“They are now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as the whole of NATO is doing in a year. This is unsustainable, but the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese and Iranians, in fighting this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The NATO chief underlined the importance of cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific region to maintain global security, emphasizing that interconnected defense and innovation are critical to deterring potential aggression.

France’s Civilian Health Preparations

Back in France, hospitals are being asked to upgrade capacity, train staff, and adapt infrastructure to handle large numbers of military casualties. This includes preparing emergency rooms, surgical units, and intensive care facilities to treat both domestic and foreign soldiers. Hospitals are also expected to coordinate with local municipalities and defense agencies, ensuring a rapid response in case of conflict.

Health experts say these preparations are unprecedented in recent European history, reflecting the seriousness with which France and NATO are taking potential military threats. While the situation is still speculative, the measures signal a heightened awareness of the risk of escalation in Eastern Europe.

Global Context

The warnings come amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical tension involving Russia, China, and Iran. Analysts note that military exercises like Zapad 2025 are both a demonstration of strength and a warning signal to Western nations. The possibility of a coordinated strategy between Russia and China in a global crisis scenario is seen as a major concern for NATO planners.

These developments underscore the growing importance of civil-military collaboration in Europe. Governments are increasingly looking to integrate civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, into contingency planning for worst-case scenarios.

Preparing for the Unexpected

France’s proactive approach reflects a recognition that modern conflicts may not be confined to traditional battlefields. The Ministry of Health’s directive emphasizes the integration of civilian healthcare capabilities into national defense, ensuring readiness for mass casualty events.

As tensions continue to rise in Europe and beyond, these preparations serve as a reminder that nations are taking strategic steps to safeguard both populations and military personnel. The coming months will likely see further coordination between NATO allies and European governments to ensure that infrastructure, logistics, and medical services are ready for any potential escalation.

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