Europe, Stand Strong for Ukraine

Recent actions by the Trump administration have starkly illuminated a betrayal of Ukraine that Europe cannot ignore.

In a recent 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump praised Putin and signaled a departure from the previous U.S. administration’s support for Ukraine. He dismissed the idea of Ukraine’s NATO membership and downplayed the importance of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, leaving Ukraine and Europe to confront Russian aggression alone.

Trump’s approach to peace talks with Russia has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear it could favor Moscow and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. His comments suggesting that restoring Ukraine’s 2014 borders is “unrealistic” hint at a willingness to accept Russian territorial gains. This not only emboldens Putin but also destabilizes the region, potentially leading to further aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed wariness of peace talks initiated by Trump, emphasizing that any negotiations conducted without Ukraine’s involvement are unacceptable. He insists that Ukraine must be a part of any discussions regarding its future, warning against deals that could marginalize Ukraine’s interests.

In light of these developments, it is imperative for Europe to recognize that reliance on the United States for security is no longer tenable.

Trump’s actions have demonstrated a willingness to sideline European allies and negotiate directly with Russia, potentially at Europe’s expense. This betrayal underscores the need for Europe to take its destiny into its own hands.

Europe must stand strong for Ukraine, not just as an ally, but as a partner in the fight against tyranny. We must provide unwavering support, including military aid and a clear path to NATO membership, regardless of U.S. involvement.

The future of Ukraine is intertwined with the future of Europe. By supporting Ukraine, we defend not only its sovereignty but also the principles of freedom and democracy that define our continent.

This is our moment to lead, to show that Europe will not be cowed by external pressures or internal divisions. We must act decisively, with courage and unity, to ensure that Ukraine remains whole and free. The betrayal by the United States is a clarion call for Europe to rise to the occasion and take control of its own fate.

We stand at a crossroads, a moment that will define not just Ukraine’s fate, but our own. The United States has wavered. Its promises are now riddled with hesitation, its commitment stained with betrayal. But Europe cannot afford to falter. We are the last line of defense against tyranny. We are the last hope for Ukraine’s freedom.

For too long, we have clung to the illusion that America will always stand with us, that its strength is our shield. But history has shown that nations must carry their own burdens. Europe must no longer be a vassal, no longer a dependent child clinging to the hem of the American giant. It is time to cut the cord. It is time to stand on our own feet.

In light of recent developments, it is imperative for Europe to recognize the urgency of bolstering its defense capabilities.

To effectively deter any attempts by Putin to replicate his actions in Ukraine elsewhere in Europe, it is essential for European nations to increase their defense spending to at least 5% of GDP.

This substantial investment will not only enhance our military readiness but also signal a resolute commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty and the principles of freedom and democracy that define our continent.

We must acknowledge that the defense of Europe rests squarely on our shoulders.

By taking decisive action now, we can ensure that we are prepared to face any challenges that may arise and uphold the security and stability of our region.

Envision a Europe where the collective strength of its 27 member states converges into a unified defense force, embodying the pinnacle of modern military capability. By harmonizing our diverse industries and resources, we can eliminate fragmented efforts and forge a cohesive European defense project.

This collaborative approach would not only streamline procurement and development but also enhance interoperability among our forces. Initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) have already laid the groundwork for such unity, supporting joint research and development to bolster our defense industry.

By building upon these frameworks, we can create a formidable European army that leverages the unique strengths of each nation, ensuring our collective security and reinforcing our commitment to peace and stability.

Ukraine fights not just for itself, but for all of us. If Kyiv falls, if Kharkiv is left to the wolves, if Crimea is abandoned, then who will be next? The Baltic states? Poland? The echoes of history are deafening. Appeasement has never stopped an empire. The Russian war machine does not respect compromise—it respects only resistance.

Let there be no mistake: Ukraine must win. Entire, undivided, sovereign. That means Kyiv, that means Kharkiv, and yes, that means Crimea. It is not just a battlefield—it is a nation. And we must stand by it, without hesitation, without weakness, without waiting for Washington’s permission.

Europe, we have the power. We have the resources. We have the will. But will alone is not enough—we must act. We must arm Ukraine, not with delay, not with conditions, but with the weapons and support they need to drive the invader from their soil. We must push for Ukraine’s place in NATO, with or without the United States. Because peace does not come from treaties—it comes from strength.

This is the hour when we decide whether we are masters of our fate, or whether we remain shadows in the wake of a fading empire. The future of Europe is ours to shape.

So let us shape it. With courage. With steel. With unbreakable resolve.

Ukraine must win. And Europe must lead.

A fallen heroe in a coat stands in shadow, wearing a hat and a patch featuring the Ukrainian flag.