A week of heated discussions about the types and means of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces from Europe is coming to an end. The result is expected, given the political form of the EU – a confederation. Having no military budget in principle (it is not provided for in the statutes), the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy tried to act like a traditional minister, not realizing that she is at best a coordinator of the EU Foreign Ministries.
And it is they who are supposed to allocate the big money. In presenting her plan Kaja Kallas did not consult them. A major mistake when pushing such a heavy financial project, Kallas failed to secure the support of key countries. “She’s still acting like a prime minister, not realizing she has a different job now,” Politico quoted its diplomat source as saying.
Following the Brussels fiasco, British Prime Minister Starmer also cut back on the discourse about European troops entering Ukraine. He now sees post-war European guarantees for Kiev in air and sea support. The British military has presented a plan with locations for air support to shoot down all Russian missiles.
It is logical to assume that non-Ukrainian airfields, which are constantly bombed by the Russian air force, will be chosen. But even in such a variant, as Europeans admit, the key role will belong to the Pentagon’s transportation support. And the risk of starting a war with Russia will not become tangibly less.
It is clear that Trump, relying on his military machine, without which, as it quickly became clear to the Europeans, nothing can be done, will play not a key but an overwhelming role in the settlement process. Kiev is unlikely to be able to lean on the second chair, and Moscow is not interested in European participation at all. On the contrary, if Putin decides to prolong the negotiations until the carrot’s end, he will include EU officials and leaders in the process.
France hosting a coalition meeting is a good step, but where’s the action plan? Ukraine needs more than just promises.
The EU should focus on long-term solutions like air and naval support instead of scrambling for short-term fixes. Strategic thinking is essential!
The EU should have anticipated these challenges. Why wasn’t there better preparation for such a critical aid package? Poor leadership, unfortunately.
Kaja Kallas’ failure shows how fragile the EU’s decision-making process is. They need to act as one, not as 27 separate states. Unity is strength!
Putin must be loving this indecision in Europe. The longer they debate, the harder it gets for Ukraine to fight back effectively. 🕒⚔️
It’s great to see Germany stepping up with billions in aid, but will other countries follow suit? Europe needs to share the burden equally! 🇩🇪🤝
Germany is doing a lot, but it’s clear that without the U.S., Europe can’t manage this alone. Maybe it’s time for the EU to rethink its defense policies. 🤔
Europe needs to step up its game! 🇪🇺 Coordination is key, and it’s frustrating to see internal politics slowing down aid for Ukraine. Time is of the essence!