Lhe European summit of December 14 and 15 must focus on the release of an additional 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine and a new set of sanctions against Russia. German hesitation, the election of populists in Slovakia and the Netherlands, and Hungarian political blackmail around this new envelope directly weaken the Ukrainian forces.
Europe is already at the back of the bus in the conflict in the Middle East and supports the partition carried out with the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. It cannot afford the same posture in Ukraine, which has been a candidate for membership of the European Union (EU) since February 2022 and is defending our democracies in the face of a rogue state, supported in this conflict by Iran and Korea. North. At a time when the Kremlin is skilfully playing for the West’s electoral timetable, leaving Ukraine in a weak position would be a moral fault for Europe.
The Europeans, like their partners, unfortunately allowed themselves to be blinded at the start of the invasion, too quickly congratulating themselves on the setbacks of the Russian armed forces while falling behind, being too parsimonious in the delivery of the equipment necessary for the Allies’ victory. Ukrainians.
While the Kremlin gained time in fruitless talks, the drums of Russian mobilization recruited conscripts, common law prisoners and mercenaries. Russia’s federal reserves have been put to use in the war effort and, despite the effectiveness of economic sanctions, Russia remains capable of withstanding the test of a protracted conflict.
Signs of shortness of breath
Vladimir Putin decreed, on 1er December, the 15% increase in the number of soldiers in the Russian army, and today confidently declares that, without financial and military support from the West, Ukraine “would fall in less than a week”. The Ukrainian counter-offensive that began at the beginning of June came up against Russian defense lines, which are currently advancing on the eastern front. In this context, the lack of Western support could constitute the turning point in the conflict.
Already across the Atlantic the first signs of running out of steam are appearing. Some Republican members of Congress in the United States are threatening to collapse budget negotiations that include a major component of assistance to Ukraine. President Zelensky is also making a trip to Washington this week in the hope of moving the lines.
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