[European Politics] Europe’s Stake in NATO, Ukraine
Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2025 4:37 am
Alexander Downer has highlighted the issues surrounding the US relationship with Ukraine, Europe, and NATO with careful precision.
Europe claims it feels threatened by Russia, yet has refused to invest in its own sovereign defense or in sustaining NATO’s strength.
Now, with Ukraine’s defense losing key US support and more responsibility being placed on Europe to fill the void, Europe still refuses to acknowledge its lack of responsibility.
Europe has always relied on NATO, but only under the condition that NATO could remain effective only with US support.
The problem is that since World War II, it hasn’t been just the US supporting NATO, but bearing the sole responsibility for the effectiveness, sustainability, and longevity of the pact.
Until the presidency of Donald Trump, this arrangement was accepted by all former US presidents and Europe as the status quo.
For decades it was enough.
However, that is no longer the case.
If Europe wants to coexist with Russia and ensure that the NATO pact remains a core pillar of continental security, European nations must contribute more to NATO and support Ukraine.
Europe along with Ukraine (and President Zelensky) must stop dallying and step up.
Otherwise, a peace deal for Ukraine might be negotiated solely between the US and Russia, excluding Ukraine and Europe.
This scenario could occur if needed, but it risks the US forming closer ties with Russia—something Europe likely wants to avoid.
The slow progress of Europe’s diplomacy and military preparedness, along with that of Britain and Australia, must end.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commen ... 71f16444df
Europe claims it feels threatened by Russia, yet has refused to invest in its own sovereign defense or in sustaining NATO’s strength.
Now, with Ukraine’s defense losing key US support and more responsibility being placed on Europe to fill the void, Europe still refuses to acknowledge its lack of responsibility.
Europe has always relied on NATO, but only under the condition that NATO could remain effective only with US support.
The problem is that since World War II, it hasn’t been just the US supporting NATO, but bearing the sole responsibility for the effectiveness, sustainability, and longevity of the pact.
Until the presidency of Donald Trump, this arrangement was accepted by all former US presidents and Europe as the status quo.
For decades it was enough.
However, that is no longer the case.
If Europe wants to coexist with Russia and ensure that the NATO pact remains a core pillar of continental security, European nations must contribute more to NATO and support Ukraine.
Europe along with Ukraine (and President Zelensky) must stop dallying and step up.
Otherwise, a peace deal for Ukraine might be negotiated solely between the US and Russia, excluding Ukraine and Europe.
This scenario could occur if needed, but it risks the US forming closer ties with Russia—something Europe likely wants to avoid.
The slow progress of Europe’s diplomacy and military preparedness, along with that of Britain and Australia, must end.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commen ... 71f16444df