Part 5/9:
The exclusion of Europe from these peace talks sparks a dual-response. European leaders are increasingly asking how they can assert their relevance in this dialogue. The option to withhold support for Ukraine as leverage in these negotiations has been considered but carries the risk of a significant reduction in aid if the U.S. declines to intervene further.
Additionally, there have long been calls for a more robust European Army, a concept many believe is unrealistic at this juncture. While historically, European nations have relied on NATO, a sense of fragmentation emerges as threats draw closer to the EU’s borders. The ongoing war in Ukraine illustrates the necessity for Europe to reevaluate its defense strategies—a realization that has been simmering under the surface for some time.