Ukraine-Russia war latest: Starmer says US backstop only way to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again
IndependentFEB 15
More European Countries Mull Troop Deployments to Ukraine
Above: Emmanuel Macron (C), European Council Pres. Antonio Costa (L), and Ursula von der Leyen at the Elysée Palace on Feb. 17, 2025, in Paris. Image copyright: Tom Nicholson/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Europe should deploy post-talk troops and promise robust security guarantees. Ukraine also knows how weak Europe's military power is, underscoring the urgency for EU states to enhance their defense capabilities, not just for Ukraine but for their own security. Whether the US helps or not, Europe is now a Russian target that cannot afford to hide from reality. The 2014 Minsk Agreements showed that a treaty is nothing without military power to uphold it.
Establishment-critical narrative
European countries are far from being able to effectively protect Ukraine due to deep cultural and readiness issues. Zelenskyy's call for a European army highlights that financial investment alone isn't sufficient; a cultural shift towards valuing military service and readiness is crucial. Not only is the UK military — the group's supposed leader — stretched thin, but overall public support across Europe will likely diminish once the costs are realized.