The Ukraine crisis has taught Europe a lesson in realpolitik: Global Times editorial

By Global Times Published: Aug 19, 2025

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1341167.shtml

After the US-Russia summit in Alaska, several European leaders formed a delegation to "accompany" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the US for a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday. The group included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The presence of such a high-level delegation underscores the importance European leaders place on participating in discussions regarding the resolution of the Ukraine crisis. The Qatar-based Al Jazeera commented that "strength" in numbers seemed to be one of the reasons behind this collective visit, as the EU and Ukraine are attempting to "show a united front." Macron further stated, Europe should be represented at the next summit talks on Ukraine between Russia, the US, and Ukraine.

Europe's anxiety is not hard to understand. The Ukraine crisis has been escalating for over three years, and resolving it is not something that can be achieved overnight. All parties are aware that finding a clear direction or path to solve the Ukraine crisis is not easy under the current circumstances. Following the US-Russia summit, European leaders issued a joint statement, which not only failed to touch upon the Trump-proposed peace agreement but instead threatened further sanctions against Russia, highlighting the differences between Europe and the US and reflecting the complexity of resolving the Ukraine crisis. The European continent still has a long way to go before achieving lasting peace and stability.

Looking back at the evolution of the Ukraine crisis, some Europeans' dependence on the US for security and its strategic subordination to the US, coupled with blind faith in the Transatlantic Partnership, have been significant factors contributing to the escalating crisis. Led by the US, NATO has always been "America-centric" since its founding and continues to be infused with Cold War thinking, playing a dangerous role in instigating conflict and confrontation. Europe's security architecture is far from "secure." Many US scholars have pointed out that NATO's plan to open its doors to Ukraine is the root cause of the crisis. Over three years ago, the collapse of US-Russia strategic stability talks directly triggered the Ukraine crisis, serving as the final straw that broke the camel's back. Over the past three years, there have been opportunities to de-escalate, but the US has used the crisis to "control Europe and weaken Russia," continually stoking the flames, making a resolution seem distant. However, some European countries have failed to acknowledge this, blindly following the US-led NATO eastward expansion strategy, resulting in a prolonged confrontation with an unmovable neighbor across the Eurasian continent - leading to the current deadlock.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has dragged on for three and a half years, and it is time for Europe to take stock. Europe has lost access to the Russian market and energy supplies; the risks of war have triggered "deindustrialization" and capital flight, while the refugee issue has fueled social tensions. Major economies such as Germany have even recorded negative economic growth for two consecutive years. By contrast, the US has become the EU's main energy supplier, and thus rising to the world's largest producer of liquefied natural gas. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, it has attracted European industries to relocate to the US, while its arms manufacturers have reaped enormous profits. In the process, Europe's security situation has become increasingly volatile, with greater dependence on the US, a shrinking discourse power, and the Ukraine crisis growing more complex and difficult to resolve. And it is not just the Ukraine crisis. On issues such as NATO members' defense spending and tariffs, Washington has never hesitated to show Europe its "tough love." Europe treads cautiously in dealing with the US, often swallowing grievances, but still cannot avoid being forced into repeated concessions. Many of these issues are not just about the distribution of interests between the US and Europe, but also concern the trajectory of globalization and a multipolar world. Macron has repeatedly stated publicly that the EU should not be US "vassal." An increasing number of European voices also argue that "strategic autonomy must be pursued." All this suggests that Europe's urgent task is not only to "recognize" the need to accelerate reshaping its security architecture, but also to "take up" the reins in determining its own destiny. This will test European leaders' strategic resolve and vision.

For Europe, the Ukraine crisis is a costly lesson in realpolitik, reflecting its dilemma over strategic autonomy. Only by accelerating its pursuit of strategic autonomy from the US can Europe gain strategic space and fully exercise initiative - the power of choice still lies in the hands of Europe's leaders. This war on European soil has already lasted far too long. Europe has every reason to play a more active role in pursuing peace, shoulder greater responsibility, address the root causes of the crisis, and find a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework to achieve lasting stability and jointly build global peace. It is also an expectation shared by the international community.