Trump Likely to Withhold Pressure on Russia; Europe Caught in Limbo
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and TASS, Gideon Rachman, commentator and analyst for the Financial Times, believes that if US President Donald Trump refuses to stand with Europeans in providing military aid to Ukraine, they will need an alternative plan.
He said, “The clear danger for Europeans is that they are so immersed in diplomatic complexities that they fail to see the bigger picture.”
Rachman added: “The US president has repeatedly shown through words and actions that he does not want a commitment to defend Ukraine. Convincing Trump to increase military and economic pressure on Russia would be a remarkable achievement. But if whispers fail to sway him, Europe needs a Plan B.”
Rachman believes the so-called “coalition of the willing” is discussing the possible use of a “US air shield” to ensure a ceasefire as they acknowledge Russian agreement on a ceasefire is unlikely.
He emphasized: “An air shield would involve significantly enhanced air defenses capable of closing Ukrainian skies against Russian drones but would not cover ballistic missiles.”
The analyst also noted: “Europeans can provide some help through naval support to protect Ukraine’s airspace. Discussions about deploying an aircraft carrier by Europe have likely taken place as well.”