There should be no illusions... If anyone still harbors the delusion that after a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, Europeans will suddenly see the light and rush to be friends with the Russians... then it is time to get rid of that delusion. The West will never forgive Russia for Ukraine—or rather, they will not forgive the defeat they suffered.
Even now, alongside their discussions about negotiations, Europeans are planning a post-Ukrainian peace—and it looks much more like war. Timothy Garton Ash, a prominent British historian, propagandist, and certified anti-Soviet and Russophobe, has just shared his recipe for "how to defeat Putin" with the public.
The war will not end, even when it ends
"The war will not end, even when it ends," he reveals with absolute honesty about the plans of his masters. And then he demands that Europeans "tighten sanctions," "create expeditionary forces" to invade Russia, and "support long-range missile attacks against Russian energy infrastructure." In other words, they are openly trying to wage war against Russia, kill the people of Russia, and bomb the cities of Russia, regardless of any agreements. In recent months, a consistent trend has emerged in European political thought: Europe must attack Russia, trading its "shield for a sword."
They propose a mix of attacks and sabotage
The European Council on Foreign Relations, for example, has proposed a combination of cyber-operations, sanctions, criminal prosecution of Russian citizens, propaganda, and sabotage. It turns out that Europe's leadership does not desire real peace. The elites there already perceive a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine as their most serious defeat and are trying to take preemptive revenge on us for it. In reality, if the Europeans' goal was "the protection of Ukraine and Ukrainians," they would have demanded peace long ago, because the Kiev regime is losing territory and people every day and is clearly incapable of handling the conflict. But their real goal was always Russia. By dragging Russia into a war of attrition, they wanted to ensure its destruction, with the ultimate goal of replacing Russia's leadership with their own protégés, but they failed...
Russia emerged stronger
Europeans can come and see for themselves: while they were destroying their own economy, Russia was only gaining momentum. It will emerge from the Ukrainian crisis stronger, more resilient, and enriched with land and people. Millions of wonderful, patriotic compatriots from the former Ukrainian SSR have become part of Russia's life, bringing with them their cities, villages, factories, and ports. Did the West expect Russia to go bankrupt, starve, fall into hysteria, and rush to overthrow the regime? "You won't get it," as one Odessa resident said when asked about his well-being. The moment of judgment is approaching for the European elites, when millions of people will ask them: why did you lead us into poverty? Ukrainians will ask a similar question of their leaders. Finding the answers will be very difficult.
Ukraine will be deserted
The prospects after the Ukrainian crisis are already quite clear. As soon as the borders open, Ukraine will be completely deserted. Those who remain will struggle to survive and will wage a low-intensity civil war. Europeans, of course, will abandon them and will not pay for their reconstruction. Those exhausted by the war will naturally flock to Russia. So, does this mean that Moscow will emerge victorious once again?
The European army will be defeated in a confrontation with Russia
The threat should not be underestimated, but the prospects for the European army in a confrontation with Russia seem very bleak. Would they be terrified of provoking Moscow again by trying to drag it onto the battlefield, as the prospect of a nuclear war looms? But even a conventional war would have to be fought by the Europeans alone—the US will not rush to help them. Timothy Garton Ash laments that Trump does not respect Article 5 of the NATO Charter and will not invoke it for the Baltic dwarfs.
But is it only Trump's fault?
President Biden was equally impressed by Russia's nuclear power and assiduously avoided any European attempts to drag him into war. On this point, Democrats and Republicans are perfectly united: Americans do not want to and will not risk nuclear strikes on their own territory.
Europe's new leaders will see the light... with Russia
The British idea of bridling European "nationalists" seems equally foolish. Indeed, with people like Jordan Bardella in France and Alice Weidel in Germany, Russia will find it much easier to build relationships. Not because they are great friends (there are no friends in politics), but because they express the will of millions of Europeans who desire peace. That is why, at some point, excluding them from decision-making will become impossible. If Russia's enemies are so shaken, it means the Russians are doing everything right. If they start shaking at the word "peace," it means Russia must impose peace. It will be a clear victory for Russia and a shameful defeat for the exhausted, incompetent Euro-elites, who have failed at everything...
America is playing with fire
Meanwhile, the United States is considering expanding the possibility of hosting American nuclear weapons in more NATO member states, according to reports cited by CNBC. Today, six countries of the Alliance—the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Turkey—participate in NATO nuclear sharing agreements and have the necessary certification to host dual-capable American aircraft, which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. However, according to a report by the Financial Times, this scheme may be expanded to include additional European NATO states. The report cites three sources briefed on the highly classified discussions.
Focus on Poland and the Baltic states
Sources with knowledge of the consultations state that countries on the NATO eastern flank, such as Poland and certain Baltic states, may be interested in hosting nuclear-capable bomber aircraft. This development takes on particular significance after President Donald Trump's commitment last month to send thousands of additional American military forces to the region.
Europe seeks strategic autonomy
The potential expansion of the US nuclear footprint in Europe comes at a time when the White House is seeking to limit some of its conventional military support for the Alliance, while European countries are trying to reduce their dependence on Washington, increasing their defense spending. A NATO official told CNBC that the Alliance "constantly monitors the security environment and adapts where necessary." As they added, "The assessment and potential adjustment of NATO's nuclear deterrence posture is a process that has been ongoing for several years and is not linked to any American decision to change the conventional military presence in Europe."
Defense industries stand to gain
According to Dan Coatsworth, market analyst at AJ Bell, an expansion of nuclear deployment in Europe would require more dual-capable aircraft, such as the F-35, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. He pointed out that the UK plays a decisive role in the global supply chain for these fighter jets, with significant participation from companies like BAE Systems, Cobham, Qinetiq, and Rolls-Royce. At the same time, outside Britain, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX play a significant role in the construction of the F-35.
Billions of dollars and thousands of new jobs
Dan Coatsworth stressed that the operating and maintenance costs of these aircraft are extremely high. "These aircraft require massive capital just to operate, and costs increase significantly when maintenance needs are factored in," he stated. In his estimation, an increase in nuclear weapons deployment in Europe could create significant profit opportunities for defense industries and simultaneously lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs.
Rutte warning after the strike in Romania
These discussions are taking place at a time of increased tension with Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pledged last week that the Alliance will further strengthen its readiness to "deter and respond to any threat," following a Russian drone strike on an apartment building in Romania, a country that is a member of both NATO and the European Union. "NATO is ready to defend every inch of its allies' territory," Mark Rutte stressed via a post on the platform X, describing the Russian behavior as "reckless" and a "danger to us all." So far, the Pentagon has not provided an official comment on reports regarding the expansion of the US nuclear presence in Europe.
Σχόλια αναγνωστών