Only Europe can save Ukraine from Putin and Trump – but will it? | Timothy Garton Ash

"Europe's Last Stand: Can the Continent Save Ukraine from Putin's Wrath?"

In a stark warning, President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia is ready to go to war with Europe at any moment. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has signaled that his administration will do everything in its power to undermine European efforts to support Ukraine. The question on everyone's mind: can Europe save Ukraine from the clutches of Russian aggression and the treacherous politics of Washington?

The answer is complex. On one hand, Europe possesses a significant economic advantage over Russia, with a combined economy 10 times larger than Moscow's. If European leaders can tap into this economic power, they may be able to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to withstand the pressure from Russia. Furthermore, European defense production is ramping up, and countries such as Germany, Poland, and Norway are committed to purchasing more US-made military equipment for Ukraine.

However, there are also significant challenges that Europe faces. The slow pace of EU decision-making can be a major obstacle in responding quickly enough to emerging crises. Moreover, the intense competition for public money among European states can lead to a lack of cohesion and cooperation on issues like this. National egoisms and short-term party politics can also get in the way, as seen in recent disputes between Germany and France over defense spending.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about Europe's ability to step up and support Ukraine. For one, history has shown that individual nations have come together to achieve great things in moments of crisis – Britain during World War II, for example. Moreover, European countries like the Netherlands and Canada are already taking steps to provide more military aid to Ukraine.

Ultimately, however, it will take a sustained and substantial effort from Europe to ensure that Ukraine emerges victorious from this conflict. It requires a commitment to putting the long-term collective interest above short-term party politics. As historian Timothy Garton Ash so eloquently puts it, "Europe can if it wills it." The question is: will Europe have the willpower to make it happen?

The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but one thing is certain: the fate of Ukraine and the future of European security hang precariously in the balance. As tensions between Russia and Western powers continue to escalate, Europe must decide whether to stand firm or yield under pressure. The clock is ticking – and it's time for Europeans to summon their courage, willpower, and strategic determination to save Ukraine from Putin's wrath.

I'm not sure if Europe can really "save" Ukraine. I mean, think about all the times in history where countries banded together to help out a friend in need... but also remember how often those same friendships turned sour? Like, what makes Europe so different this time around?

And don't even get me started on the whole EU decision-making thing. It's like they're trying to be slow on purpose. I'm all for cooperation and whatnot, but can't they just work together a bit faster when it counts?

Not to mention all these conflicting interests from different countries wanting their own piece of the pie (i.e., funding). It's gonna take a lot more than just talk to get Ukraine through this. They need real action and commitment, not just empty promises.

I think Europe has a good shot at saving Ukraine but they gotta get their act together ASAP ️. I mean, with Germany, France, Poland, and other countries all contributing military equipment, it's not like they're gonna be left high and dry by Russia. Plus, the Dutch and Canadians are already showing that some Europeans are willing to step up .

But at the same time, EU decision-making can be super slow, and national egos can get in the way of actual cooperation . Like, remember when Germany and France had that whole defense spending spat? That's not exactly what you want when Russia is breathing down Ukraine's neck .

Still, if Europe puts their collective heads together and prioritizes supporting Ukraine over petty squabbles, I think they can make a real difference . And let's be real, the US isn't gonna save them either – Trump's all bark no bite, and even if he is serious about undermining European efforts, it's not like Europe needs American permission to help Ukraine .

Ultimately, it'll take some serious willpower and strategic thinking from Europe to make this work . But if anyone can do it, I think they can – after all, they've pulled off some pretty amazing feats in the past, like defeating the Nazi occupation during WWII . So here's hoping they summon up their courage and step up for Ukraine !

I think Europe's response to this situation is a bit like a multi-layered cake - it looks all sturdy on the outside but has some underlying cracks that need to be addressed . On one hand, their economic might is a game-changer, and if they can put aside national interests for a collective good, they could provide Ukraine with the support it needs . But on the other hand, EU decision-making processes are notoriously slow, which makes it difficult for them to respond quickly enough to emerging crises .

I'm also worried about the lack of cohesion among European states - it's like trying to get a bunch of different countries to agree on anything without even being able to communicate effectively . But what I think is most important right now is that Europe needs to put aside its differences and work towards a common goal: saving Ukraine from Russian aggression .

It's also worth noting that this isn't just about Ukraine - it's about European security as a whole, which is at risk due to the escalating tensions with Russia . So, I think Europe needs to summon some serious courage and strategic determination if they want to save Ukraine from Putin's wrath . Will they be able to do it? Only time will tell .

I'm like totally impressed by Europe's ability to stay on top of things... when they actually do decide to make a decision lol. Seriously though, 10 times larger in economy is kinda a big deal, so fingers crossed that EU leaders can put aside their differences and work together for once.

And can we talk about how adorable it is that every country is trying to one-up each other with defense spending? Like, Germany vs France over who's more patriotic... meanwhile Putin's just over here being his usual menacing self.

It's actually kinda cool that some countries are already stepping up their game and providing aid to Ukraine. Maybe Europe will surprise us all and show the world what they're made of.

But for real, it's gonna take a lot more than just military equipment to save Ukraine from Russia's wrath. We need some serious collective effort and strategic determination from Europe... which is exactly what historian Timothy Garton Ash said, btw

I'm telling you, this whole thing reeks of a setup... like the EU is just being pulled into a trap by the US and Russia. Think about it: Trump is openly trying to undermine European efforts, but what if he's just playing both sides? What if the real intention is to create chaos and let the EU fight among themselves while the US pulls the strings from behind? And don't even get me started on Putin's "ready to go to war" declaration - that sounds like a classic move to distract everyone while Russia sneaks in some secret deal. I'm not saying it's impossible for Europe to save Ukraine, but I think there's more going on here than meets the eye...

I think Europe has a hard road ahead of them, but with the right leadership and coordination they can make a difference . The economic advantage is definitely there, but it needs to be harnessed effectively to provide Ukraine with necessary support . National egoisms and short-term politics are huge obstacles, but if European countries can put their differences aside and work together, I'm optimistic about the outcome . It's not going to be easy, but ultimately, Europe needs to prioritize collective security over individual interests .

Europe needs to step up its game ASAP ️! I mean, 10 times larger economy than Russia is a huge advantage, but they need to stop messing around and start working together as one team ️. Slow EU decision-making is killing them, and national egos are being major roadblocks . We all know what happens when nations put aside their differences for the greater good – look at World War II history ! Netherlands and Canada are already on the right track with military aid to Ukraine , but it's time for everyone else to get on board . Europe needs to show Putin that they're not gonna back down, and that their collective security is more important than petty squabbles !

Europe needs to step up its game , you know? They're like, a major player in the global economy, but right now they're just kinda stuck in neutral . They need to put aside their differences and work together, no matter how hard it is . I mean, Donald Trump's not exactly known for his diplomatic skills , so if he's gonna throw some shade at Europe, that's just more fuel for the fire . But seriously, can they really trust each other to support Ukraine? It feels like everyone wants something in return . We'll see how it plays out, but I think history has shown us that when people come together, amazing things can happen !

I'm low-key worried about Ukraine . On one hand, I think Europe has the economic clout to help them out , but on the other, our own egos can get in the way . Like, what if Germany and France can't agree on defense spending? It's hard enough for us to work together on, like, climate change or whatever . I hope Europe can put their differences aside and support Ukraine , but it's going to take a lot of willpower from all the countries involved . We need to stop thinking about our own national interests and start thinking about the bigger picture . It's time for Europeans to step up and show some backbone !

Europe's got this ! But seriously though, they need to sort out their act together first. I mean, 10 times larger economy than Russia? That's a big deal . Germany and Poland are already stepping up with military aid, so that's a start . The problem is Europe gets bogged down in decision-making because of all the bureaucratic red tape . And those national egos? Forget about it ! But if they can put aside their differences and work together, they might just be able to save Ukraine from a total disaster . Maybe we'll see some European unity after all, but it's gonna take some serious willpower .

Europe needs to step up its game if they wanna help Ukraine I mean, they have the cash and the military hardware, but sometimes it feels like EU decision-making is slower than a snail on valium ...anyway, they gotta put aside their differences and work together for once . It's not rocket science, but I guess that's what they're saying in Brussels