OPINION: Wake Up! Europe is Already at War

Europe is under threat

• Russian drones have hit Poland, Romania, and Lithuania.
• This is not just Ukraine’s fight.
• The war is spreading.
• And it will keep spreading until Russia is stopped.

Putin has tied his legacy and survival to the war in Ukraine

• Ukraine is not the final goal.
• It is the first step.
• Russia will escalate again and again unless it is defeated.

Europe cannot just defend and wait

• Every time Russia escalates, it must pay a price.
• That means long-range weapons for Ukraine, more aid, tougher sanctions, and seizing frozen Russian assets.

Waiting for Trump or hoping the war will end on its own is a fantasy

• Putin will only stop when continuing the war becomes more costly than ending it.
• Right now, we are failing to make that clear.

Russia escalates because it sees weakness

• It sees the Trump administration procrastinating and appeasing Russia
• It sees hesitation in Europe.
• It sees fear of going it alone without the traditional US backing.

Weapons, sanctions, and action are the only language Putin understands

• This war will not end with speeches.
• It will end when Putin sees no benefit in continuing.
• That moment is still far away.
• And it is our fault.

Appeasement and delay only invite more aggression

• Europe must respond with strength, not just words.

The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily of Kyiv Post.