The notion of a perfect European often provokes sarcastic humor, suggesting they should drive like a Frenchman, cook like the Dutch, be organized like the Greeks, and humorous like a German. This same idea can be applied when looking for the ideal ally for Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression. The current reality in Europe depicts countries with various challenges, making it difficult for Ukraine to find strong and decisive allies. As it stands, many countries are either too small, too broke, or too hesitant to provide the necessary support. A new strategy is needed to unite the 27 EU countries into a formidable and unwavering ally for Ukraine, yet achieving this proves to be a challenge.
Statecraft has been lacking in the ongoing conflict. A forthcoming EU summit is expected to be characterized by promising rhetoric but little concrete action. A sense of despair looms over the discussions as Russia appears to have the upper hand in this war of attrition. The support from Europe and America has been crucial in sustaining Ukraine, but the country faces shortages of essential supplies like artillery shells. The urgency now is to maintain the front line rather than mount aggressive counterattacks. The prospect of fending off Russia alone, especially if Donald Trump wins the U.S. election, adds to the anxiety. The suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron for NATO countries to send troops to Ukraine has sparked mixed reactions, signaling the need for a more cohesive approach.
On paper, European countries should be capable of providing significant support to Ukraine. With a combined military budget exceeding Russia’s and a larger economy than the U.S., Europe has the resources to make a difference. However, the distribution of these attributes among allies is uneven. While some smaller countries like Estonia exhibit strong support, larger nations like Italy and France struggle with fiscal constraints. Germany, despite its economic strength, remains hesitant in providing robust military aid to Ukraine. Pooling resources and forging a collective defense mechanism within the EU could present a more unified and impactful approach to supporting Ukraine.
Proposals for joint initiatives, such as the “European Peace Facility” or a collective defense fund, offer promising avenues for bolstering European support to Ukraine. Despite the challenges posed by differing priorities and financial obligations, a coordinated effort could transform the EU into a singular, influential ally for Ukraine. While the prospect of implementation may face hurdles, the idea of a consolidated defense fund outweighs the shortcomings of fragmented support from individual countries. Ukraine could benefit from a cohesive and imperfect ally rather than scattered and inadequate assistance.
