What does Europe have to do after unprecedented clash in Washington?

How should Europe act in the fight against the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine after the scrubbing of Volodymyr Zensky on Friday in the White House in front of the world?

Kaja Kallas, EU chef Foreign Affairs and Security, did not leave any uncertainty about it on Friday evening. « Ukraine is Europe! », And we are behind them, she wrote on social media. « We will go one step further in our support for Ukraine so that they can continue fighting the aggressor. »

But the big question is whether Europe is so united as Kallas hopes in the military support for Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia, for example, are strongly opposed to that support. Moreover, the question is how much time remains for Europe to compensate for the possible falling American support.

With regard to the latter, Europe is highly dependent on Trump. His predecessor Joe Biden arranged an extensive support package for Zensky, which was approved by the American congress, in his late days.

According to estimates from military experts, Ukraine would probably be able to handle this for another six months. But the problem is that many of the promised weapons still have to be delivered. Is Trump still prepared to do so after he has been insulted in his own house by Zensky? According to the Washington Post After the open confrontation with Zensky, Trumps government is considering stopping « all current military shipments » on Ukraine. This involves billions, among other things, radars, vehicles and ammunition.

Coalition of the Willing

According to defense specialist Peter Wijninga of The Hague Center for Strategic Studies, that fear is 'understandable'. Yet he believes that Europe should not be concerned with the question whether it A possible gap can fill if Trump actually stops American support to Ukraine. « That is of later care. It is now about forming a coalition that can bring a force that can monitor a possible peace file. ” Although a European peace force still falls or falls on American security guarantees.

Under the leadership of the British and with the support of EU member states such as Germany and the Netherlands, it must become clear in the very short term whether that is feasible, says Wijninga. « A Coalition of the Willing.  » If that succeeds, according to him, there is a good chance that America is willing to continue to contribute. « For example with their espionage satellites. »

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will receive his European colleagues from eighteen different countries at his official residence, including Prime Minister Dick Schoof. This Thursday there will be an extra EU summit in Brussels. On the agenda: Ukraine and European safety. The expectation is that, especially after the events on Friday in Washington, it will be decided to withdraw more money for defense again. Foreign chef Kallas is busy gaining new financial support for Ukraine behind the scenes. And that will come, Wijninga expects. « Support for this war is not a choice, but a necessity. »

European opportunity

An opinion that also shared various European government leaders immediately after the events in Washington. « More than ever, we support Ukraine, » was the apparently coordinated response to social media from, among others, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Spain. Caspar Veldkamp, ​​Minister of Foreign Affairs, « repeated » there again the Dutch position on the support of Ukraine: « Whatever is needed and for as long as necessary. »

Kaja Kallas sees in the highly unusual collision yesterday in Washington also a chance, now that it is clear that 'the free world needs a new leader'. « It is up to us, Europeans, to seize that opportunity. »

To share





Mail the editors