As the UK and France work to form a coalition to deploy a “reassurance force” in Ukraine, concerns are mounting over the potential consequences of their involvement.
The line between providing deterrence and inviting further aggression from Russia is a fine one. This marks a pivotal moment for Europe, with the decision to send troops into Ukraine raising critical questions about the continent’s defense capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
Retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges advocates for a strong European response, arguing that sending boots on the ground is crucial for Europe’s defence.
“Europe should stop being afraid of its own shadow,” Hodges said, emphasising that the continent, along with Canada and Norway, has the ability to defend Ukraine without the US. However, the absence of American support remains a major uncertainty.
A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) highlights the difficulty of matching Europe's limited military resources with the needs of Ukraine. The report suggests that while a small force might invite Russian testing, a larger force would likely be unsustainable for Europe in the long run. With a proposed force size of 25,000, concerns are growing that Europe may not have the necessary capabilities to deter Russia without US assistance in key areas like intelligence and air defense.
Experts like Jack Watling of the UK’s Royal United Services Institute argue that Europe should reconsider its involvement, citing the significant Russian military presence in Ukraine and Moscow's unyielding objective to undermine NATO.
For Europe to succeed, Hodges suggests focusing on air power, as controlling the skies and suppressing Russian air defenses may be its most effective contribution.
By Naila Huseynova
Source: caliber.az
scorpion.az