Ukraine is buying Europe time to respond to Russia’s threats

What an unpleasant "surprise" for European leaders.

After all, in the 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Europe decided it was time to demilitarize. Armies were cut across the board. After all, why invest in the military-industrial complex if there's no one to fight? Europe relaxed. It focused on social programs and building roads. And in the meantime, it missed the moment when Russia launched a hybrid war — carrying out cyberattacks, meddling in elections, and using 'Novichok' poison on EU territory. Moscow never got a slap on the wrist for this — instead, leaders kept wanting to "look Putin in the eye." That’s why we got Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014, and a full-scale war in 2022.

And if, after the latest U.S. statements, Europe still doesn’t snap out of it and start investing in security — firing up the full engine of its military-industrial complex — then it won't have a bright tomorrow. But first, European leaders need to sort out the most obvious thing: strengthen Ukraine as much as possible, because half-measures won't cut it anymore.

Right now, Ukraine really is giving Europe time to prepare for war, at the cost of sacrificial deterrence. But the key to this preparation is giving Ukraine’s Armed Forces all the resources they need. And we need to stop wasting time trying to persuade those countries still sleepwalking while living their best lives. We need a truly reliable coalition — one made up of those ready to stand by the Ukrainian soldier today.

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About the author. Viktor Shlinchak, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of World Policy

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.