'Only another Pearl Harbor can wake up America': diplomat on Washington’s blind spot to threats

He expressed this opinion on Espresso TV.

“The West is not ready to mobilize resources. There is no understanding of the threats coming from Russia. For example, Ukraine received F-16s. I think you've read about the kind of F-16s arriving—they are equipped with outdated systems and are not adapted to modern warfare. Meanwhile, the U.S. has thousands, tens of thousands of such units sitting in its deserts! They need to be upgraded and restored, but how? The Lend-Lease program has essentially died, and when the Democrats couldn’t revive it, the Republicans are even less likely to. Even Roosevelt, a Democrat, could only do it thanks to state-monopoly capitalism. In today’s conditions, this is simply impossible,” Bezsmertnyi explained.

The diplomat is convinced that after Donald Trump’s victory, Europe must focus more on its own security. According to him, London and Brussels must take the initiative.

“Modern Europe can do it, but it needs to be revitalized. It can only be revitalized by uniting, and unity can come either from fear or through significant investment. The U.S. can only be brought to understand the situation, forgive me, by a Pearl Harbor. I don’t wish this on them, but it seems they’re heading in that direction. There’s a lack of understanding of many components we’re discussing. The situation, in my view, is now in the hands of Brussels and London. Brussels must do everything to mobilize Europe. And Trump is right that 2% of GDP is too little, and Rutte is right in saying we need to arm ourselves, or else we’ll be learning Russian. By the way, he said, ‘You will be learning Russian,’ which is interesting, as he distances himself from the majority. In this context, mobilizing resources to help Ukraine as much as possible is crucial,” he added.

• On January 13, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed deep concern about Europe’s security situation and urged countries to increase defense spending.
• It was earlier reported that Lithuania will allocate 4% of its GDP for defense in 2025. Meanwhile, newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump believes NATO members should increase defense spending to 5% of annual GDP.