Europe must strengthen NATO and continue supporting Ukraine to counter Russian aggression — British politician Sir Roger Gale

European states must strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance and maintain political and practical support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression and the Kremlin’s demands to revise the European security architecture. At the same time, Europe must stand by its position even in the face of opposition from the administration of US President Donald Trump, pressing for Russian troops to withdraw from Ukrainian territory and for a just peace to be restored.

This was stated in an interview with Guildhall by British politician Sir Roger Gale, a Conservative Party member of the UK House of Commons.

Commenting on Russia’s return to maximalist demands regarding the European security architecture, including a possible reduction of NATO’s military presence to its 1997 level, the MP stressed the need to strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance.

“NATO is a European defence force that is absolutely essential to our protection. The Alliance must be strengthened, not weakened,” Gale said.

At the same time, the British MP declined to speculate about Vladimir Putin’s motives or the reasons behind Moscow’s return to its previous demands.

“You are asking me to comment on Mr Putin’s thoughts and perceptions, but I cannot do that. What is going on in his head does not necessarily correspond to what everyone else thinks,” the MP noted.

According to Gale, European states must maintain a firm and consistent position on helping Ukraine, regardless of any potential political disagreements with the US leadership.

“Europe, both as individual states and as a whole, must stand firmly with Ukraine, provide it with all possible practical assistance, and maintain political support, despite any opposition from the current President, Donald Trump, or anyone else,” the MP stressed.

In his view, the ultimate goal of international efforts must be to restore justice, secure the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and create the conditions for Ukrainians to return to peaceful lives.

“We must work to restore justice, secure the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and ensure that Ukrainians can return and rebuild their homeland in peace,” Gale said.

The British MP also stressed that further progress in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war depends on the Kremlin’s position.

“Until Mr Putin acknowledges that he was the one who initiated the illegal invasion of Ukraine and decides to resolve the situation by withdrawing his troops, I am afraid there will be no progress,” the MP noted.

Thus, Gale called for NATO to be strengthened while European support for Ukraine continues, stressing the need to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops and maintain a consistent position regardless of any potential opposition from Washington.

Guildhall Exclusive News Agency.