European countries face a difficult decision as they consider sending troops to Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine is uncertain, and the incoming US president’s plans are unclear.
A recent NATO exercise showed that European countries can work together to defend their eastern flank. But now, they need to decide if they will take more responsibility for securing Europe.
Ukraine cannot win its war without help from Europe. Many people think that the guns in Ukraine will fall silent quickly after a new US president takes office. But this is unlikely.
European countries are being asked to do more. They are being told to increase their defense spending and take more responsibility for their own security.
In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested sending European troops into Ukrainian territory. This idea has been discussed since then, but it’s still unclear what will happen next.
People talk about sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine after a hypothetical peace deal is made. But this would require the backing of the new US administration and the involvement of larger countries like France, Poland, and the UK.
Smaller countries in the Nordic and Baltic states are also important players. They have been giving military aid to Ukraine and speaking out in support of its victory.
Some people think that sending troops into Ukrainian territory is too big a step for Europe to take on its own. But others believe it’s necessary if they want to secure their own continent.
Countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have been strong supporters of Ukraine. They’ve given military aid and spoken out against Russian aggression.
Recent events in the Baltic Sea have shown that Russia’s war is not just about Ukraine. The damaging of undersea cables has affected several countries.
Experts say that European countries need to change their mindset before they can make big decisions. They need to be prepared for war and take it seriously.
Jukka Kopra, a Finnish official, said, “We have things in order.” He believes that Finland is ready to defend itself, but other countries are not as prepared.
Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrelius Landsbergis also spoke out. He said that appeasement is a recurring problem in Europe and that countries need to be strong to stand up against aggression.