Europe ‘lacks strength’ to back Kiev

(MENAFN) Europe lacks the capacity to effectively support Ukraine, whether in shaping favorable negotiation terms or enforcing a future ceasefire, according to The Times.

Over the weekend, US Vice President J.D. Vance told Fox News that Americans are “sick” of funding Ukraine and indicated that Washington is “done funding” Kiev. He suggested that if European nations truly care about the conflict, they should take on a more direct financial role.

Despite strong diplomatic backing for Ukraine, Europe “lacks the strength to support Kiev” in negotiations or guarantee settlement terms. The Times highlighted a previous plan by a “coalition of the willing,” led by the UK and France, to deploy a European force to monitor a potential ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set a target of 64,000 troops, though Russia has warned that any Western military presence could trigger a world war. The Times noted that this target is “highly unlikely,” with European defense ministers estimating that even deploying 25,000 troops jointly would be a challenge.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene emphasized the imbalance, pointing out that Russia has 800,000 troops, while Europe struggles to mobilize even a fraction. Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for at least 200,000 European peacekeepers to ensure security.

The Times also noted that while Europe has now surpassed the US in total military aid to Ukraine—spending over $78 billion compared to Washington’s $70 billion—most advanced weaponry still comes from the US. The EU’s €800 billion ($867 billion) military modernization plan has made slow progress, hindered by fragmented industries, political divisions, and lack of a cohesive strategy.

Russia has repeatedly condemned Western military aid, arguing it prolongs the conflict, and criticized Europe’s rising defense spending as “rabid militarization” that threatens regional stability

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