Europe's Fractured Response to Ukraine Crisis Faces Critical Test

[Social Media]

 

"Donald Trump is doing us a favour, if we choose to think about it that way. And we may as well look on the bright side. Otherwise, these times are too dark." These words, spoken by a diplomat from a major European country who requested anonymity, capture the uneasy mix of alarm and forced optimism sweeping through European capitals after Trump abruptly halted military aid to Ukraine on Monday.  

 

The rapid shifts in Washington's stance have left European leaders scrambling to formulate a cohesive response. Most European governments view Ukraine's struggle as a battle for the security of the entire continent, with Russia seeking to upend the Western-aligned order that has existed since the end of the Cold War. However, the continent is deeply divided on how to address the crisis.  

 

Friedrich Merz, the man likely to become Germany’s next leader, bluntly summed up the growing concern: "Washington, which has had Europe's back in terms of security and defence since World War Two, now appears not to care about the fate of Europe." This sentiment underscores the fundamental uncertainty gripping the region.  

 

The flurry of emergency summits and high-profile diplomatic meetings reflect Europe's efforts to respond effectively. The strategy is twofold. First, European leaders are determined to show Trump that they are stepping up to the challenge, as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak put it, by doing "the heavy lifting" to defend themselves. The hope is that this display of self-reliance will convince Trump to restore military support for Ukraine and maintain the broader US security umbrella in Europe.  

 

At the same time, European governments must prepare for the worst-case scenario—one where Trump decisively turns away from Ukraine and, potentially, from European security altogether. In such a scenario, Europe will have no choice but to rapidly enhance its own defences and increase direct support for Kyiv.  

 

The stakes are high, not only in Washington but also in Moscow. The Kremlin is closely monitoring Europe's reaction. If the continent's emergency meetings fail to produce swift and substantial results, Russia will perceive Europe as weak and divided. Moscow has already taken pleasure in what it sees as fractures in Western unity.  

 

For decades, the US has filled the gaps left by Europe's chronic underinvestment in defence. Since the Cold War, military conscription has largely been abandoned, and troop numbers have dwindled across the continent. Meanwhile, the US maintains around 100,000 troops in Europe, along with nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear-sharing policy.

 

One of the most vulnerable nations in this equation is Germany, a major European power without nuclear arms of its own, which could find itself dangerously exposed if Trump withdraws American support.  

 

The coming weeks will be crucial. Europe must prove—both to Washington and to Moscow—that it can act decisively. If its leaders fail, the repercussions could extend far beyond Ukraine, reshaping the balance of power on the continent for years to come.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-06

 

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

No surprise to see Starmer front and centre, sucking up to the EU leaders. 

 

Good to see Trump have left these muppets to wallow in their own mess. 

 

34 minutes ago, Social Media said:

The coming weeks will be crucial. Europe must prove—both to Washington and to Moscow—that it can act decisively. If its leaders fail, the repercussions could extend far beyond Ukraine, reshaping the balance of power on the continent for years to come.

 

Of course they will fail. The notion of European unity is a myth. A fantasy of European federalist technocrats. Meloni has shown that.

 

https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/italian-prime-minister-meloni-rejects-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-calls-it-difficult-and-ineffective

[Olav Seglem]

Europe must stop talk and start acting.

And as first issue (politely) ask US to get the <deleted> out and clise the door.

Europe can take take out russia any day of the week with one hand on the back.

Technology and morals much higher then in russian army.

The important is provide ukraine with arms and money, so not being dictated.

Europe supplied ukraine with 50% more than US, WITHOUT demanding triple up in return 🙂

 

[Purdey]

If Ole Bone Spurs wants to withdraw forces from Europe, then the bases closest to Russia should run away, sorry, make a strategic withdrawal, first. Europe must get its act together (although people will complain about spending money on weapons, there isn't much choice).