The Monocle Daily
Can Europe deliver on a Ukraine force?
Apr 30, 2025
Join political journalist Theo Usherwood and Cardiff University lecturer Marta Lorimer as they tackle pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss Europe’s dilemma in supporting Ukraine and the growing pressure on Russia, emphasizing President Zelensky's strong stance on Crimea. The conversation also uncovers the challenges of uniting European leaders for military backing. Additionally, they explore Germany's shifting political landscape under the Christian Democrats and the impact of populism on engaging younger voters.
36:35
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Quick takeaways
- Macron's proposal to pressure Russia for a ceasefire raises concerns about Europe's capability to mobilize significant military resources.
- Zelensky's firm stance on retaining Crimea complicates negotiations, emphasizing the need to balance war realities with Ukrainian public sentiment.
Deep dives
Escalating Pressure on Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed increasing pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, but details on how this will be executed remain vague. Europe faces challenges in mobilizing a coalition of nations capable of deploying sufficient military resources to significantly impact the conflict. Reports suggest that Europe could struggle to place even 25,000 troops into Ukraine, a number that pales in comparison to Russia's losses in the ongoing war. Macron's optimistic statements may not align with the realities of European military readiness, raising questions about the effectiveness and feasibility of such initiatives.
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