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European Council President Charles Michel is clear about what will happen if Russia wins the Ukraine war. “Defeat is not an option for Ukraine. We all understand very well the devastating consequences for Europe and the values we represent. And for the world. That is why we must act. It’s important,” he said in a conversation with five European media outlets, including EL PAÍS, in Brussels on Wednesday.
As the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Michel said the EU needs to continue its efforts to help Kiev. And he said this at a time when Washington’s support for Ukraine is wavering and the situation in the United States is “difficult.” “We have no choice but to continue to support Ukraine. He has one plan A, and he only has one plan A, and that is support for Ukraine,” he said.
“Support for Ukraine is an investment in peace and stability,” he continued. “We have to fight for Ukraine, Europe, the United States and the rest of the world. If not, we have to fight for other countries, even those in the UN Security Council , it is sending a message to the world that it is okay for countries to invade other countries, even if they have nuclear weapons.
“We need to stand up and explain again and again what is at stake. We cannot afford to fall into fatigue or give up,” Michel warned. He said Russia could exploit this fatigue to undermine the spirit of Europe and the EU project ahead of European elections in June.
On Saturday, the war that has rocked continental Europe and other parts of the world enters its third year. This is one of the most difficult moments for Ukraine. Counterattacks have failed, and the situation on the front has become extremely complicated due to lack of ammunition, supplies, and troop rotation. Add to this concerns the possible return of Republican Donald Trump to the White House and delays in the EU framework for Ukraine’s future membership, which was due to be presented in March. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that it would not be ready until the summer after the European elections.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin is seizing the opportunity to increase arms production and preparing for a new spring offensive at various points on the front, Western sources said. The Kremlin chief feels emboldened by having made some (albeit cowardly) progress on the battlefield and by burying another enemy, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Prison sentence for cases deemed political persecution by the EU – years. Michel blamed the Kremlin for Navalny’s death, calling it a “brutal reminder of the true nature of the regime.”
Meanwhile, European countries are increasingly pessimistic about Ukraine’s chances of winning the war. A survey conducted in 12 countries by think tank ECFR found that most people believe the conflict will end with some kind of agreement. The survey also found that Europeans are skeptical of Europe’s ability to help Ukraine without the United States (an obvious variable in whether Trump returns to the White House) and that most would copy the U.S. government’s policies. It turned out that they thought it was necessary.
“The decisions we have taken, the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and the 50 billion euro financial support package, demonstrate to our allies, especially the United States, what we need to do to support Ukraine with military and economic aid. That is our top priority. And we hope that the United States understands that supporting Ukraine is also a way to counter authoritarian regimes around the world that seek to challenge the rules-based order. I sincerely hope that you will.”
Although there is less and less room for the EU to take historic steps, Michel insisted that the bloc has the capacity to provide political, military and financial support. “We are working to utilize all or part of frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine. This is a matter of justice, rule of law, responsibility and accountability. I am confident that we can make progress in the coming weeks,” Michel said. In addition to the G7, the EU has also agreed to freeze around 300 billion euros in Russian assets, but is debating how to spend them. The EU took the first step in a plan of action last week, agreeing to pool billions of euros in profits from freezing these assets.
On Wednesday, the EU approved its 13th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at curbing the Kremlin’s war effort. For the first time, the list of companies affected by measures such as asset freezes and EU membership bans includes several Chinese companies and one Indian company. The EU’s goal is to prevent Russia from receiving civilian materials for use in weapons production.
For the EU, Russia’s war against Ukraine, which exposed its dependence on cheap Russian gas, is a major wake-up call for the EU to increase its strategic autonomy and strengthen its security and defense. “We need the defense of the European Union. This is urgent. We need to act and be trusted, no matter what. We must defend our values and stand by our We need to protect our interests and act not only to respect others, but to be respected,” Michel said, referring to the debate on how Europe can better protect itself from military threats. And he said this.
The European Council president’s comments came amid concerns that the US government, led by President Trump, would take a step back from NATO.
“There was a certain understanding around the European Council that NATO was an umbrella for Europe’s security, but on the EU side there was a commitment to economic development and other objectives in line with our values. “There should be more focus. I feel we are facing a new paradigm. I see a completely different mood and way of thinking,” he said. “The goal for member states should be to invest more in defense, invest more effectively and reduce fragmentation.”
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