Europe's security at risk: The urgent call to bolster defences against Russia
Russia will not stop at Ukraine, just as it did not stop at Crimea 10 years ago - claims the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. He added that Europe must increase its defence capabilities because the support of the United States for the Old Continent can no longer be taken for granted.
19 March 2024 14:16
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In an op-ed published by the Euractiv website, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, discussed Europe's security. The EU politician stated that it is crucial for the continent to bolster its defensive capabilities. As he added, if the European Union does not respond adequately to Russian aggression, "we will be next."
Michel emphasized that the war in Ukraine is the biggest security challenge since World War II. "Two years after the war began, it has become clear that Russia will not stop at Ukraine, just as it did not stop at Crimea ten years ago," he wrote, adding that the Kremlin's influences are felt in many areas. Moscow is also destabilizing Moldova, Georgia, the South Caucasus, the Western Balkans, and Africa.
The support of the United States is no longer a given
The EU politician believes that support from the United States is no longer assured. "That's why we must be ready to defend and transition to a wartime economy(...). The time has come to take responsibility for our security," he stated. "We can no longer rely on others or be at the mercy of election cycles in the USA or elsewhere," he wrote.
United States President Joe Biden warned in December that after Ukraine, Putin could target NATO - reports Newsweek.com. Military commanders and defence ministers, among others, from Great Britain, Denmark, and Poland have also expressed concerns about such a scenario.
"A step towards World War III"
Following the presidential elections in Russia, in which Vladimir Putin won over 87 percent of the votes, he mentioned plans to create a buffer zone in Ukraine. The area is intended to protect Russia from cross-border shelling and attacks - reports ABC News. The Russian leader, when asked about a potential conflict between Russia and NATO, stated: -In today’s world, everything is possible. "It's clear to everyone that this would be a step towards World War III," he added.
Source: Euractiv, Newsweek.com, ABC News
