By John Q. Hosedrinker 
At a recent meeting, European nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. Germany pledged significant financial contributions to air-defense packages and plans to collaborate with the U.K. on joint procurement. France emphasized the need for sustained pressure on Russia, including stricter sanctions enforcement, while Italy detailed its ongoing civilian and military aid. Poland underscored the importance of Ukrainian resilience for European security, outlining substantial defense-industrial projects to further support Kyiv.
Read the original article here
Europe’s defense chiefs: We’re with Ukraine for the long haul. Well, that’s what we’re hearing, isn’t it? It seems like it’s about time Europe actually commits to real funding instead of just offering lip service every few months. The fear of a potential Putin attack on the Baltic states has, shall we say, brought about a “surprised Pikachu face” moment.
It’s simple, really. Europe needs to decide: are we supporting Ukraine, or aren’t we? This half-hearted approach just isn’t cutting it. It’s Europe’s problem, and we can’t just stand by while providing only a trickle of weaponry.
Let’s be blunt: We need to step up and pay the bill, not ask someone else to foot the bill while we avert our eyes. The days of unwavering reliance on the US are waning, and that’s a hard reality to face, especially for those who grew up with families shaped by the world wars and the crucial alliances forged then.
It’s time for Europe to become something more than it is. Not to declare a full-blown war, that’s just a recipe for disaster. But we can’t remain dependent on the US, or helpless when faced with aggression. We must stand strong, even if it means standing up to the right-wing factions. It’s a stark warning for everyone!
And let’s be frank: the idea of a cohesive, united European front is a complex one. The truth is, individual countries largely decide their actions. In the past, even during struggles for independence, the world has imposed weapon embargoes, which is counter-productive. The geopolitical situation is far from simple. We sympathize with the Ukrainian people, and hope they succeed.
But there are underlying issues to contend with. The core issue is the question of European unity, with the prevalence of right-wing extremism in certain countries. The Kremlin has a network of sympathizers within certain governments, influencing them to varying degrees. The ongoing conflict is a long game, and Ukraine’s resources are not endless. There are also deep-rooted problems that will require time to overcome.
Putin is banking on outlasting European support for Ukraine. The situation isn’t helped by the US, which has a right-wing, and a lack of certainty on the country’s political future. The security outlook for the globe is bleak, with the USA and China, both led by authoritarian leaders. Europe lacks cohesion, and is facing a world in a very late-stage capitalism leading to a tech oligarchy. It’s crucial for Europe to be able to stand united if the world is to have a fighting chance for global security.
Consider those Shahed drones striking civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, this should act as a wake up call to show what could happen across Europe. You either take a firm stance against Putin, or you don’t. And if you don’t, you face the consequences. We see that the necessary assistance is not being delivered, and Russia’s frozen assets have not yet been utilized. Europe is weaker than it has ever been, threatening the relative stability after the Second World War. We are sleepwalking into a nightmare.