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

Europe's only hope for saving Ukraine from the clutches of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump lies in its own collective willpower. The US has made it clear that it is willing to sell out Ukraine for the sake of a dirty deal with Russia, but Europe must not be cowed into complacency.

The latest revelation of Trump's US National Security Strategy is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Putin's aggressive expansionism. The strategy's focus on "cultivating resistance" to Europe's current trajectory within European nations is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the continent's resolve in supporting Ukraine.

It is up to Europeans to enable Ukraine to survive the assault from Moscow and the diplomatic betrayal from Washington. But it will be a difficult task, requiring sustained military and economic support for Ukraine, as well as pressure on Russia through economic means.

Europe's combined economy is 10 times the size of Russia's, and European defence production is being ramped up. The list of military essentials that only the US can supply is getting shorter, making it easier for Europe to find alternative solutions. However, Trump's profit-seeking logic means that many of these essential goods are still within reach.

The departure of Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's right-hand man Andriy Yermak has created an opportunity for Ukraine to make a bold domestic reset and form a government of national unity. This could be the key to Ukraine's survival, but it will require significant investment in its economy and institutions.

Russia itself is facing growing problems, including a significant loss of life, a struggling economy, and declining oil prices. The price of oil is falling, and long-range Ukrainian attacks have damaged more than a third of Russia's oil refineries. Europe could slow this revenue flow by stopping and inspecting Russian ships that don't meet international safety and environmental standards.

If Europe can generate sufficient military and economic support for Ukraine and apply pressure on Russia, the incentive structure for Putin will change. His generals will tell him "we're not getting anywhere" and his central bank will tell him "the economy is cracking". A ceasefire along the existing frontline becomes more likely, and a longer-term truce is possible.

However, there are many reasons why Europe may fail to rise to this challenge. The still pervasive myth of Russian invincibility, learned helplessness after decades of depending on the US for security, procedural slowness within the EU, acute competition for public money in often heavily indebted European states with ageing populations, and national egoisms that prevent collective action.

Despite these challenges, there is still a glimmer of hope. The optimism of willpower, strategic determination, fighting spirit, and courage to put the long-term collective interest before short-term party-political opportunity can turn "Europe can" into "Europe will". It is up to Europeans to rise to this challenge and demonstrate their resolve in supporting Ukraine against all odds.

I think Europe really needs to step up its game here - we're talking economic support, military aid, the whole nine yards . Trump's National Security Strategy is a major red flag, and if Europe doesn't push back, they'll be basically selling out Ukraine to Russia .

It's all about collective willpower, though - if Europe can get its act together and show some real determination, I think they can make a big difference . And let's not forget that Russia is facing some major issues of their own right now - economic troubles and stuff .

I'm also loving the idea of Ukraine doing a domestic reset and forming a government of national unity . That could be a total game-changer for the country, if they can just get it together .

Europe needs to put aside its national egos and compete in supporting Ukraine - we're all in this together . And yeah, there are definitely some challenges ahead, but I think Europe has what it takes to rise to the challenge .

just saw this news about trump's national security strategy and it makes me wanna scream!!! russia should be worried, not europe the us is literally selling out ukraine for a dirty deal with russia, but europe can stop them if they just come together i mean, our economy is 10 times bigger than russia's and we're already ramping up defense production it's time for us to step up and support ukraine instead of waiting for the us to do something

Europe needs to wake up and stop being so divided on how to handle the situation with Russia . We need a united front, not politicians arguing over who's right or left, or which country is most affected . It's time for us to put aside our differences and work together as one continent . I mean, have you seen the state of Ukraine lately? The suffering they're going through is heartbreaking . We can't just stand by and watch them be crushed under Putin's iron fist . Europe needs to step up and take responsibility for its own security .

And what's with Trump's US National Security Strategy? It's like he thinks Russia is some kind of superpower that we should all bow down to . Newsflash, Donald: you're not the first leader to think they can take on Putin and come out on top . The fact that Europe is willing to listen to his advice is just a sign of how weak we've become .

We need to take control of our own destiny, not rely on the US to save us every time . It's time for Europe to grow up and show Putin that we're not intimidated . We can do this!

I'm not sure if Europe should be willing to pour even more money into Ukraine , I mean, shouldn't that just make Russia even richer? But at the same time, we can't let Putin just walk all over us and get away with it . And what's with Trump wanting a "dirty deal" anyway? Is he really that desperate to screw Ukraine over for some quick buck?

On one hand, I think Europe's got the resources and military might to take on Russia , but on the other hand, all those Russian ships are just gonna keep coming through our waters , no matter what we do. And have you seen the state of Ukraine's economy? It's a mess! But maybe if Europe starts putting more pressure on Russia, it'll finally wake up and realize it can't keep getting away with this stuff .

But let's be real, Europe's got its own problems to deal with - budget deficits, pension crises... We need to focus on our own priorities before trying to bail out Ukraine, don't we? Or do we? Maybe we should just take a deep breath and trust that all this will sort itself out in the end .

Europe needs to step up its game if they wanna save Ukraine from Russia! Trump's strategy is like, super suspicious, and Europe can't let him strong-arm them into doing nothing. I mean, have you seen those numbers? Europe's economy is HUGE compared to Russia's, so they got this! They just need to back Ukraine with some serious military support and economic pressure on Russia... it's not that hard! And, like, can we talk about Ukraine's opportunity to form a new government? That could be the key to survival. I'm low-key rooting for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's team to make some major moves and shake things up in Kyiv The EU just needs to get its act together and put Ukraine first, you feel?

I'm thinking... Europe's gotta step up its game here, can't let Trump & Putin get away with this They're all about short-term gains, but what about the long game? Russia's economy is tanking, and Ukraine's in a tough spot. But still, Europe's got some tricks up its sleeve Like, did you know that Europe's defense production is ramped up? And they've got the economy to back it up - 10 times bigger than Russia's! So yeah, if they can just put aside their differences and work together... I mean, it's not gonna be easy, but Ukraine's counting on them

I'm so worried about Ukraine ... what's going on with Trump's US National Security Strategy? It sounds like he's trying to backstab Russia (and Europe!) to save his own skin . But Europe can't just sit around and do nothing, right? We need to support Ukraine financially and militarily or else they'll be toast . I mean, we know Russia is struggling with a declining economy and oil prices... but what's the point of that if we're not using it to our advantage? Let's put some pressure on them through economic means! And what about Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy making a domestic reset? That could be a game-changer! But Europe needs to step up its act and show Putin that we mean business... can't we just work together for once?

Europe's got to step up its game if it wants to save Ukraine from Putin . Trump's US National Security Strategy is super suspicious, and Russia's military might is not as unstoppable as everyone thinks . With Europe's economy being 10 times bigger than Russia's, we should be able to support Ukraine more. The EU needs to work together and stop relying on the US all the time . Andriy Yermak's departure is a great opportunity for Ukraine to make a fresh start, but they'll need our help to rebuild their economy . We should also put pressure on Russia by inspecting their ships and slowing down their oil revenue . If Europe works together, we can get Putin to rethink his strategy . It's time for us to show some willpower and determination !

ukraine needs europe's help so much, but some ppl r worried about making a dirty deal with russia
i think europe shouldnt be cowed into complacency, they shud stand up 4 ukraine
europes economy is huge, its like 10x russia's, they cud easily find alternative solutions 2 the us
but trumps logic is all about profit, so hes still gonna try 2 sell out ukraine
ukraines president zelenskyy shud take advantage of this opportunity 2 make a domestic reset & form a gov of unity
russia's problems r growing, they're losin life, economy, oil prices... it cud b their downfall
if europe supports ukraine & puts pressure on russia, poutine will be like "im not getting anywhere"
europes collective willpower can make a diff

I'm really concerned about Europe's ability to stand strong against Putin's Russia, especially with Trump at the helm of the US . I mean, have you seen that new National Security Strategy? It's like they're trying to undermine our very own resolve in supporting Ukraine! The EU needs to step up its game and not let complacency get the best of us .

But here's the thing - Europe has a massive economic advantage over Russia. Our combined economy is 10 times bigger, and we're ramping up defense production like crazy . We need to use this to our advantage and put pressure on Russia through economic means. Stopping and inspecting Russian ships that don't meet international standards could be a game-changer .

And let's not forget about Ukraine's internal situation - the departure of Zelenskyy's right-hand man is actually a blessing in disguise. It gives them the chance to make a bold domestic reset and form a government of national unity, which could be the key to their survival .

But there are definitely some obstacles in our way. The myth of Russian invincibility still lingers, and we need to shake that off . We also have to deal with bureaucratic red tape within the EU, not to mention competition for public funds in countries with aging populations .

Still, I believe in Europe's collective willpower. If we can channel our optimism, strategic determination, fighting spirit, and courage into supporting Ukraine, I truly think we can make it happen . It won't be easy, but if anyone can do it, it's us !

Europe needs to step up its game ! Trump's strategy is clear - undermine Europe's willpower . But Europe has the power to resist . With a combined economy 10x bigger than Russia's, we can outdo them in production and innovation . And let's not forget, Ukraine is struggling ! The sooner they form a new government, the better .

We can slow down Russia's revenue by inspecting their ships . It's time to take control of our own destiny . Europe needs to put aside national egoisms and work together . We can do this! The willpower, determination, and courage are all there . Let's rise to the challenge and show Putin that we won't be cowed .

Here's a rough diagram of what Europe needs to do:

```
+-----------------------+
| Form new government |
+-----------------------+
|
|
v
+-----------------------+
| Boost military and |
| economic support for |
| Ukraine |
+-----------------------+
|
|
v
+-----------------------+
| Apply pressure on Russia |
| through inspections and |
| sanctions |
+-----------------------+
```

This is our chance to shine ! Let's rise to the challenge and show the world what we're made of !

So I'm reading about how Europe needs to step up its support for Ukraine and stand up to Russia, but it's like they're saying that the US is just gonna sell them out if they don't? That doesn't sit right with me... It feels like we're being asked to be the heroes in this situation, which I get, but at the same time, I'm not sure how Europe can do it all on its own. We're talking about a massive economic gap between Russia and Europe here

I think what really worries me is that Trump's strategy for dealing with Russia seems super cynical - like they're just trying to weaken Ukraine so Russia won't get too upset And if we can put some pressure on Russia by not letting their ships pass through our waters, then maybe this will help Ukraine hold out. But what if Europe can't agree on how to do it all? We don't want another war

europe needs to step up its game if it wants to save ukraine from russia i mean, trump's national security strategy is pretty clear: he's willing to sell out ukraine for a quick deal with russia but europe can't let that happen, gotta be strong on military and economic support

russia's in trouble too, losing lives, economy struggling, oil prices plummeting long-range ukrainian attacks have even damaged russia's oil refineries so if europe puts pressure on russia, it could slow down their revenue flow

but europe's got its own challenges too - lack of faith in russian invincibility, being held back by procedural slowness, competition for public money, and national egoisms that prevent collective action still, if europe can muster up some willpower, strategic determination, and courage to put the long-term interest before short-term gains then maybe they can save ukraine

I think Europe's got a shot at saving Ukraine if they stick together I mean, Russia's already struggling with low oil prices and all that, so if Europe puts some pressure on them, it could work out . And let's be real, Trump's US National Security Strategy is just a bunch of hot air - the US has been all over the place when it comes to Ukraine, so why should we trust their word? Ukraine needs Europe's support, and I think they can make do without American help . Plus, if Ukraine can get its act together with that domestic reset and form a government of national unity, it could be the key to their survival . Let's keep our fingers crossed for this!

ugh dont even get me started on trump's national security strategy it sounds like total surrender to russia and i'm literally shaking with rage thinking about how europe can just sit back and watch ukraine be crushed by putin's aggression what's wrong with europolics that they cant even agree on a basic stand against russian expansionism? its not like this is the first time we've seen putin try to bully his way to power, but still europe seems to think it can just appease russia and get away with it... newsflash europe: thats not how diplomacy works and trump's strategy is basically a masterclass in how to weaken your allies and advance your own interests at their expense anyway, i really do think that if europe comes together and puts its collective weight behind supporting ukraine, we might actually stand a chance against russia but its gonna take a lot more than just words and some empty threats to make it happen

I'm literally shaking with rage thinking about Trump's US National Security Strategy !!! How can they just sell out on Ukraine like that?! I mean, the audacity of Putin and his pup Trump is just disgusting . Europe needs to wake up and smell the coffee, we can't keep relying on the US for our security, we need to take control of our own destiny .

And what's with this "cultivating resistance" nonsense? Are they seriously trying to undermine Ukraine's resolve? That's like saying you're going to make someone stronger by holding them back . It just doesn't add up.

I'm so sick of the EU being slow and bureaucratic, it's like they're all just waiting for permission from someone else to do something . We need to get our act together and support Ukraine, not just talk about it on Twitter .

And the fact that Trump is trying to profit off this mess? It's just disgusting . He's more concerned with lining his own pockets than with saving lives or promoting peace .

But you know what? I still have hope . Europe can rise above all these challenges and come together to support Ukraine. We just need to tap into that willpower and determination . Let's do this, Europe!

I think Europe's biggest obstacle isn't even Trump or Putin, it's actually our own complacency . We're too scared to take a stand and risk being seen as "too confrontational" . Meanwhile, Russia is getting away with all sorts of aggressive behavior and we're still trying to figure out if we should intervene . It's like, what happened to "all for one, one for all"? We need to stop worrying about each other's egos and start working together as a united front . And yeah, Trump's strategy is super suspicious, but let's not forget Putin's been playing this game of cat and mouse for years . We can't just sit back and expect Ukraine to save itself . We need to step up our game and show the world we're willing to fight for what's right .

I'm not buying that Europe's economy is 10 times the size of Russia's. Where's the source on that? That sounds like a pretty big claim. And what exactly does "cultivating resistance" even mean? Is it just a fancy way of saying they're trying to undermine Ukraine's support from within Europe?

And yeah, I'm not convinced that Trump's profit-seeking logic is the only reason why Russia needs those essential goods. What about other factors like their own military strategy and resource management? It sounds like we're oversimplifying things.

On the Ukrainian side, a domestic reset could be good for them, but what kind of investment are we talking about here? Billions? Trillions? Where's that money coming from? And what guarantees do we have that it'll actually make a difference?

It's also interesting to note that Russia has its own problems. Like, have you seen the latest reports on their economic situation? It sounds like they're in trouble.

And Europe's concerns about public money and national egoisms? That's not just a myth perpetuated by politicians; it's a real thing. We need to acknowledge our limitations before we can even think about supporting Ukraine.

Despite all this, I still believe that there's hope for Europe to step up. But let's be realistic: it won't be easy.

Europe's biggest hope for saving Ukraine from those two is its own strength . I think the US just wants a deal with Russia, but Europe can't let Putin win . The US National Security Strategy is super worrying, it's like they're trying to undermine Ukraine's resolve .

Europe needs to step up and support Ukraine more . It's not going to be easy, there are a lot of problems to overcome . But I think Europe can do it if they put their minds to it . The fact that Russia is struggling with its own economy and stuff makes it harder for them to keep invading Ukraine .

And now that Ukraine's president's right-hand man has left, maybe Ukraine can sort out its own government and economy . It would be a huge help if Europe could provide more military and economic support . Maybe if Europe puts pressure on Russia, they'll stop invading Ukraine .

It's not going to be easy for Europe to rise to the challenge , but I think we can do it if we all work together . We just need to put our differences aside and focus on supporting Ukraine .