European leaders are working to support and protect Ukraine, as well as preserve international law and counter Russian aggression. At the same time, the Europeans' motivation is the fear that an agreement in Russia's favor could lead to a wider war that could engulf the entire continent. This is reported by UNN with reference to The Wall Street Journal.
Details
The publication states that Russia has the opportunity to withdraw from peace talks with significantly expanded military production capabilities. In addition, the Kremlin is confident in its ability to redraw borders by force and considers NATO a weak organization.
European countries fear that they will have no choice but to significantly increase military spending and defense preparations, hoping to maintain their deterrent power against Russia. At the same time, US President Donald Trump and his entourage want a quick settlement of the conflict, but, de facto, on Russian terms.
The White House, after Trump's return, considers it necessary to resume "strategic cooperation" with Russia - they also see potential opportunities for doing joint business with the aggressor country regarding Ukraine.
At the same time, Ukraine and European states hold the opposite opinion. They consider Russia a long-term threat and are convinced that Moscow must be contained, and any trust must be earned and verified.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance will have to significantly strengthen its presence near the borders with Russia and face an acceleration of military spending exceeding already planned increases.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that his country, like all of Europe, wants peace, but not by Ukraine's capitulation to Russia.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added that Ukraine's future is closely linked to European countries.
If we cannot achieve lasting and just peace for Ukraine, we will also have no guarantees for our own security
Recall
The United States of America, together with its European allies, prepared two draft documents outlining a strategy for supporting Ukraine after a potential "peace agreement" is reached.