Russia Ukraine war: can Europe stop Putin on its own?
Feb 24, 2025
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Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador to the US, and Alina Frolova, former Ukrainian deputy defense minister, dive into the complexities of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. They discuss Germany's recent election and its implications for European security. The guests emphasize the urgent need for Europe to strengthen military alliances and take responsibility for defense. They also explore NATO's role, the reluctance for increased military involvement, and the critical necessity of Western support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions.
Germany's transition towards security independence emphasizes the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities amidst ongoing threats from Russia.
Alina Frolova's call for proactive European engagement reflects a growing urgency for collective defense arrangements to address vulnerabilities in Ukraine.
Deep dives
Challenges of European Security Independence
Germany faces significant challenges in attempting to establish security independence from the United States. Friedrich Merz, the lead candidate for chancellor, suggested that Europe must cultivate self-reliance without entirely retreating from NATO. Wolfgang Ischinger warns that while striving for greater European capability is essential, Germany's dependence on the U.S. security umbrella remains critical due to the threats from Russia. This statement has sparked discussions on the necessity for European nations to enhance their defense strategies amidst concerns over the credibility of U.S. commitment under different political administrations.
Ukraine's Demand for Collective Defense
Alina Frolova emphasizes the urgency for Europe to acknowledge its responsibility for regional security, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She stresses that European countries must develop their own defense capabilities and engage in proactive planning rather than relying solely on external powers like the U.S. Frolova suggests the creation of new alliances among willing nations, focusing on collective defense arrangements in response to threats from Russia. The call for active engagement comes from a recognition that the current approach has left Ukraine vulnerable, with ongoing military aggressions highlighting the need for immediate action.
Future of European Unity and Support for Ukraine
The podcast explores the uncertainty surrounding Europe's unity in response to Russian aggression and the complexities of negotiating peace in Ukraine. Both guests, Frolova and Ischinger, express differing levels of optimism regarding future outcomes, with Frolova urging immediate action and collective defense initiatives. The discussion includes the potential repercussions of U.S. foreign policy shifts, particularly under a Trump administration, which could undermine support for Ukraine. Ultimately, while there is a consensus on the need for a robust European defense posture, the path forward remains intricate, necessitating collaboration and decisive leadership from European nations.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine hits its 3 year mark, Germany elects a new government to join its beleaguered neighbours in trying to get Europe – and President Zelenskyy - out of the mess caused by an aggressive President Putin on its East flank, and an antagonistic President Trump on its West. More money, for more troops, actually on the ground in Ukraine? It’s a move most of Europe seems reluctant to make, but can the continent avoid catastrophe by going it alone?
In this episode of the Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by the former German ambassador to the US Wolfgang Ischinger, and the former Ukrainian deputy defence minister Alina Frolova
Produced by Calum Fraser, Ka Yee Mak and Rob Thomson.
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