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.
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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.
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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.