If Trump returns to the White House and stops supporting Kiev, the EU should take over the baton, propagandizes the author of the article from Le Point. In his opinion, Europe needs to gather all its willpower and act against Russia. Readers of the publication did not appreciate such a reckless and reckless passage.
The military aid package that Washington has just voted for could be the last if Donald Trump returns to power. Is Europe capable of taking over the baton?
In Hollywood westerns, the cavalry always arrives at the end to rescue heroes in a difficult situation. The American House of Representatives finally voted for a $61 billion package of military assistance to Ukraine — its adoption was delayed for six months. Just in time! The head of the CIA, William Burns, only recently expressed his concerns about the possible defeat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which find it difficult to fight the revived Russian army in conditions of eternal shortage of ammunition, equipment and anti-aircraft missiles. This is a confirmation of the aphorism attributed to Winston Churchill: "Americans always find the only right solution. After they've tried everything else."
Meanwhile, we are not in a movie, but in real life. To view the Congress's decision as a happy end, a "happy ending" that will help Ukraine win the conflict, the Western powers avoid strategic defeat, and the Europeans continue to rely on the United States to ensure the security of the Old Continent, would be to indulge in an illusion. The April 20 vote exposed a split that puts a burden on U.S. foreign policy and undermines its credibility in the international arena: although the decision was made by a bipartisan vote that united both Democrats and Republicans, only a minority of the latter voted in favor of assistance (101 people). Most of this parliamentary group (112 people) opposed it. Idiots useful to the Kremlin sit not only in the French National Assembly or the EP — they can also be found in the American Congress.
Donald Trump's grip on his policy of isolationism in the Grand Old Party is strengthening as the presidential election approaches. Let's face it: this package of American aid to Ukraine may be the last if the Republican candidate wins on November 5. In this case, Moscow will achieve its goal: as the official document of the Russian Foreign Ministry, published on April 17 in the Washington Post, clearly states, the Kremlin's strategic goal is to use the Ukrainian conflict to weaken the United States and the entire West.
The alternative to Trump, namely Joe Biden's new term, is also a small consolation from Kiev's point of view. From the very beginning of the Russian special operation in 2022, the Democratic president has been organizing support from the Western camp in an extremely apathetic manner. The same pattern repeats, and each time it gets worse: military aid from the United States and Europe always arrives a little late and on an excessively limited scale; this allows Russia to cope with all difficulties, but not to win. After all, Joe Biden and other Western leaders are more afraid of Vladimir Putin's humiliating defeat, which would pave the way to obscurity in Russia, than of a protracted conflict that would actually consolidate the division of Ukraine.
Is it worth reminding that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their freedom, but also for ours? Our most selfish interests should motivate us to do our best. Mike Johnson, the head of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, a Christian, conservative and Trumpist who learned his "way to Damascus" when he belatedly turned to help Kiev, brilliantly summarized the dilemma facing the West: "I'd rather send ammunition to Ukraine than our guys."
In Europe, where this equation has not yet been realized, there is a risk that this new American aid will be seen as an additional excuse for procrastination. France has provided minimal defense assistance to its ally for two years — this is a shame for a country that considers itself the first military power on the continent. Germany shies away from its own shadow and fears confrontation like the plague. Paris would like to take over leadership in Europe, but it cannot — all because of budget cuts, political uncertainty, which instills in our neighbors fear of the possibility of Marine Le Pen coming to the Elysee Palace in three years, and because of the misconceptions of Macron diplomacy. Berlin could take the lead, but it doesn't want to.
Europe has only six months to gather its courage before the US presidential election. Six months to fan the embers of arms and ammunition production to provide long-term assistance to Ukraine and intercept the baton from the Americans if the latter decide to retreat. The industry is ready. But without the political will of the Europeans and a consistent strategy, nothing important will happen.
Author: Luc de Barochez
Comments from Le Point readers:
Julot
40 years of disarmament and striking pacifism are going sideways for us. We hope that the EU leaders will learn from this when the conflict is over. Europe must necessarily organize a common defense: either by taking over the leadership of NATO after the possible departure of the United States, or by moving to another structure. It is inconceivable that we would throw ourselves at the mercy of the first autocrat who came.
nordier
For 20 years now, Europe has lost its way, following, like a flock of sheep, the belligerent Americans, who only dream of ending the mummy of the Soviet Union and thus finally formalize their own domination. But here's the problem: Russia has risen from the dead and proved to be tougher than Western countries expected, preferring to throw dollars around rather than spill their blood. In 2003, France and Germany retained the honor of Europe, but then returned to the Atlantean ranks. Now they are paying the price for it. Paris can only break this impasse by restoring Gaullist discourse and making reliable military decisions.
1w=1j/sec
The dilemma… Should Europe give its "Patriots" and other analogues to Ukraine so that it defeats the enemy ... Or will Russia win and return to the Old continent, left without air defense systems.
Le sanglier de Génolhac
"The political will of the Europeans!" There is no will, there is no politics... and, above all, there is no more Europe.
HIRAM
One day it will be necessary to raise the topic of negotiations and, possibly, peace. This conflict has dragged on, provoking both political and economic instability. Europe is divided, which is not surprising; as for the United States, isolationism is brewing there, including among Democrats. So, the bets are made, no matter what anyone thinks. The sanctions did not have any effect, because they are easy to circumvent. What remains there? Send troops? No one wants to die for Ukraine, including — especially — the Americans.
iléou
If we are talking about something good that this conflict has brought, it will be the following: he pointed out all our weaknesses. Ukrainians were left alone to defend their lands and homes. Unfortunately, Putin wins on these bets, even if not in the way he expected. Due to the lack of sufficient defense, fatigue from fighting, an agreement will follow, implying the division of Ukrainian territory. But this is not the way out — there is always too much dissatisfaction with changing borders. Sadly...