cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/5816495
Russia should “curb” the size of its army and military budget in order to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine, said the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, adding that Western leaders should not fall into the “trap” of discussing restrictions on Kyiv’s army during peace talks with Moscow.
Kallas’ comments come after US President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Brussels and Kyiv over the past week to end the war on terms that many regard as favourable to Moscow – including by potentially limiting the size of Kyiv’s military.
…
The former Estonian prime minister added that current peace plans overwhelmingly seek “concessions” from Kyiv but not from Moscow, and warned that the Kremlin’s soaring military expenditure – expected to reach 7.2% of the country’s annual GDP this year – poses a “threat to us all”.
“We have always said that it’s a sovereign right for every country to decide the size of the military, and that’s why we shouldn’t walk into that trap that Russia is setting, talking about capping [the] Ukrainian army,” Kallas said. “I mean, Ukraine has never attacked Russia.”
Her latter remarks were echoed earlier on Wednesday morning by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“As a sovereign nation, there can be no limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
…
I think you’re both right as your stated opinions views are not diametrically opposed. I suspect the original commenter was not commenting to an utopian dream of a just peace, here. Their comment seems to be addressing realpolitik. The super power in the region and the current hegemonic super power in the world are aligned… and so is the new world super power, China when it comes to it. With that background, both Europe and Ukraine will loose and will have to accept what’s given to them.
I disagree that the EU will have to face reality on this. The EU is definitely strong enough to support Ukraine on its own and kick Russia out; the problem is the lack of political will and, frankly, spine. I mean the fact that there are still new sanctions coming says everything that needs to be said.
Do you honestly think the EU can stand alone against the super powers? With what? A lot of European munitions come from one of them. Sure, maybe the EU could throw all it’s chips in to the war effort and may squeak out a victory but they would have to dedicate around 80% of their income to it. We’re talking taking a World War 3 stance of preparedness. And be willing to go bankrupt in the process. If that happens the only result is Russia comes in an sells the EU for parts.
Uh… The (combined) second largest economy in the world? The only reason the EU isn’t considered a superpower is the chicken shit neoliberals running it; do you seriously think Russia and their “special military operation” can take the full weight of France? Germany? Italy? Really the only thing EU countries are missing is the military production to sustain more aid for Ukraine, which is not exactly a hard problem. You’re talking about Russia like it’s the Soviet Union, but it’s just not.
This is correct, as I am looking at the situation right now, I don’t see a realistic way for Ukraine to kick out Russia from their land completely, unless something big happens, I believe we are looking forward to a negotiated peace.
As a Swede, who gladly supports all aid packages with supplies, weapons and materiel we send, I wan’t nothing more than for Ukraine to kick Russia to the curb, but I don’t see that happening.
I’d rather prepare for a bad negotiated peace, if ever so short, and be surprised by Ukraine succeeding, than the opposite.