Europe should not wait for US action on Ukraine

Europe must be able to respond to that threat and create its own sense of urgency while waiting for the US to decide on the Ukraine issue.

The 60th Munich Security Conference^th This year, we will hold a memorable event with the largest number of visitors in history. The room was filled with the latest news in geopolitics, including predictions for upcoming elections, preparations for July’s NATO summit, and depressing updates from the Ukraine front.

And when the world learned of the death of Russia’s most powerful opposition voice, Alexei Navalny, the conference grieved and understood the Kremlin’s desperation to crush every whisper of defiance. I tried to do it, but it was no use.

But between speeches of enthusiastic support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, applause for President Zelensky’s appearance and brave words, and admonitions for President Putin’s warmongering, the meeting spoke of a nagging fear of the United States being caught in molasses. There was a tone of disbelief. A policy debate.

The United States is unable and perhaps unwilling to lead. Without consistent US support and support, the upcoming US elections could shape Europe’s future. The United States has not effectively communicated to friends and foes the importance of U.S. and allied support for Ukraine.

I don’t blame them for being skeptical of current U.S. leadership. But while issues in Congress, the upcoming US election, and a lack of resolution on how to succeed in Ukraine remain unsettled, it is important for our European allies and partners to understand the situation in their countries. While we assess the situation, we have the opportunity to put our own homes in order. America is having that moment.

With so many issues to deal with, worrying about America’s traffic jams is a waste of valuable time and energy. Allies and partners must focus their attention and resources on the here and now while planning for the future. There is a long list of requirements that need to be addressed by the alliance as well as each country, with or without U.S. support.

• First, the growing challenge of insufficient industrial infrastructure capacity requires allies and partners to resource and deploy innovative technologies to quickly fill equipment and munitions stockpiles.
• Second, when it comes to security policy, we need to agree on a common threat assessment, increase interoperability and standardization, and address mobility restrictions across the continent.
• Finally, we should continue to push for solid security investments, including consistent and strong defense spending, common-sense equipment provision, and properly funded research and development for next-generation capabilities.

It is true that appeals for peace cloud rationality for some policymakers in the United States.

Just because you wish something to be true, like Russia’s desire for peace, doesn’t mean it will become reality. It is unlikely that you will be able to choose the next enemy and conflict.

And while these debates continue, the security landscape around the world, led by the same nefarious groups, continues to play its part, while among our allies, government officials, and other stakeholders. , fears are growing over NATO at its helm.

So, while the concerns and pessimism are understandable, Europe must not cause panic. Europeans must not be deterred from confronting the most pervasive threat of our time.

The security and stability of the European continent is at risk. Our enemies aim to weaken the alliance’s strength and health. While the world waits for America to become the leader it claims to be, our friends must not lose their ability and desire to ensure peace and prosperity in Europe.

Katherine Sendak is director of the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). From 2018 until 2021, she served as Principal Director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Mr. Sendak also spent more than a dozen years on Capitol Hill, serving on both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

edge of europe is CEPA’s online journal covering important topics related to foreign policy in Europe and North America. All opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the positions or views of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis.