A weakened Ukraine amid the US stance will put Europe’s security at risk — Italian MP

A weakening of Ukraine amid a possible reduction in U.S. support would pose a serious threat to the security of all Europe. As the U.S. position shifts, European countries risk becoming extremely vulnerable to Russian aggression, especially without a strong, united and independent Ukraine, which plays an important role in ensuring European security. The European Union must therefore strengthen its own defense autonomy and continue providing comprehensive support to Ukraine.

This was stated in a comment to Guildhall by Fabrizio Benzoni, a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

— How do you assess current U.S. policy toward Ukraine, and what threats does it pose to European security?

— I am deeply concerned by reports that the United States may end its support for Ukraine or impose conditions on the provision of U.S. aid. Our support for Ukraine must remain unwavering and unconditional. We are talking about a country defending itself against unprovoked aggression by a country responsible for blatant war crimes and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an independent state.

Ukraine has made clear its resolve to break with its Soviet and Russian past and become a full-fledged member of the community of European liberal democracies. Russia is clearly unwilling to accept this choice, but it is not for Moscow to decide. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with the right to choose its allies freely and independently.

There is no doubt that any reduction or suspension of U.S. support would put Ukraine in an extremely difficult position on the battlefield and effectively threaten the security of all Europe. However, this prospect should serve as a historic wake-up call for the European Union.

We can no longer afford to shift responsibility for our own security onto others or maintain a strategic dependence on Washington. This scenario demonstrates more clearly than ever the urgent need to establish a genuine common European defense policy. Europe must develop the capabilities required to act independently and provide military support with its own forces to initiatives that are fundamental to peace on our continent, such as support for Ukraine.

This does not mean abandoning our longstanding alliances. On the contrary, it means being able to negotiate with partners such as the United States not as a dependent ally, but as a mature, independent geopolitical actor capable of ensuring security in its own region.

— Will Europe be able to effectively counter the Russian threat without U.S. support and if Ukraine is weakened?

— As I have already noted, under the current circumstances, a U.S. withdrawal from European security combined with Ukraine’s neutralization or weakening would leave Europe extremely vulnerable.

Unfortunately, European governments are well aware of this risk. Moreover, the prospect of a shift in Washington’s policy is already making it more tempting to consider peace plans that not only raise serious questions but are also potentially dangerous, as recent investigations by the Financial Times have shown. Discussing territorial concessions involving territories illegally annexed by Russia, or allowing Vladimir Putin to dictate the terms of a sovereign state’s accession to NATO, is not diplomacy—it is the subordination of international law to the logic of force.

Accepting such a compromise would set a devastating historical precedent, even more serious than the annexation of Crimea in 2014. As long as the Russian leadership retains its expansionist ambitions, legitimizing its territorial conquests will not bring peace; it will only pave the way for the next act of aggression. Without a strong, united and independent Ukraine acting as a shield, European countries will face this threat with fragmented armed forces and no truly unified defense doctrine.

That is why the only realistic way forward is to decisively accelerate the creation of a common European defense. We can no longer afford to entrust the protection of international law on our continent to the United States, which, as history has shown, is not always able or willing to shoulder this responsibility alone and consistently.

A common European defense must be established now, backed by firm political will and the necessary economic resources. It is the only instrument that will, for the first time, allow us to truly protect our own security, our borders and the integrity of international law by relying on our own capabilities.

Guildhall News Agency, exclusive