Europe must convince Russia that it cannot prevail - Financial Times
According to British historian Timothy Garton Ash, there is currently no situation that could lead to a frozen conflict in Ukraine or with a negotiated settlement with Russia. In his opinion, Europe should wake up and do enough for Kyiv to ensure Ukraine’s victory.
The article for the Financial Times was written by British historian, journalist and writer Timothy Garton Ash. He is the author of the book "Homelands: A Personal History of Europe," Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrainska Pravda.
"To begin with, we must clearly understand what is happening in Ukraine. No stalemate can lead to a frozen conflict or a negotiated settlement, as some in the West naively hope.
Rather, we are in the midst of a long, complex war that is likely to last until at least 2025, if not longer. Neither side is giving up; one of them can still win, but not both," the author writes.
It is noted that the choice made in the next few months by the democracies that support Kyiv, i.e., Ukraine's Western partners, will be crucial for the outcome of the conflict.
The author believes that the West is currently doing enough to prevent Ukraine's defeat, but not enough to help it win.
The article adds that in 2024, the partners could provide Kyiv with the tools to regain more territory and convince Russia that it cannot win: "This is the only way to lasting peace."
In his opinion, Ukraine should be immediately provided with more air defense, more long-range missiles, including German Taurus, as well as American ATACMS, so that Ukraine can continue to force back Putin's Black Sea Fleet.
In the long run, a necessary condition for victory will be more intensive training of Ukrainian troops and a rapid, substantial increase in industrial production of weapons and ammunition.
In the end, the historian believes that the responsibility thus falls on Europe, because it is, after all, about the defense of a European country.
He also compared the New Year's messages of European leaders.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not even mention the war in his laudatory report on his government's successes, which was obviously aimed at this year's general election.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz touched on it only in passing before moving on to the sacred topic of the German economy.
Poland's new Prime Minister Donald Tusk devoted his speech entirely to restoring democracy in the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the theme of French pride, proposed a "rearmament of European sovereignty," including "to stop Russia and support Ukrainians."
But it was Finnish President Sauli Niinistö who delivered the most important message: "Europe must wake up".
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was surprisingly blunt: "Ukraine lacks ammunition. Europe is not supplying what is needed. We will insist on increasing European production. It is urgent. And Danish F16s will soon be in the air. The war in Ukraine is also a war for Europe as we know it."
The historian believes that this is exactly the language we need.
