Diplomacy

Leonid Nevzlin: Europe should independently ensure its security without relying on rising isolationist sentiments in the U.S.

Leonid Nevzlin: Europe should independently ensure its security without relying on rising isolationist sentiments in the U.S.
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By Leonid Nevzlin

"The opinion column by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the Daily Mail, which many refer to as the “Boris Johnson peace plan,” has sparked significant discussion, especially in the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election.

Johnson’s column suggests that former President Donald Trump could potentially end the conflict on favorable terms for Ukraine and the West, reflecting a convincing argument from Trump. While the proposed terms regarding borders and the status of the Russian language might be controversial, there is a particularly sensible idea presented: integrating the Ukrainian Armed Forces into the European security structure.

Johnson proposes that 70,000 American troops stationed in Europe could be replaced by Ukrainian soldiers. This shift would allow Trump to save American funds, bring troops back home, and encourage Europeans to take more responsibility for their own security. Although it might not be advisable to take this proposal literally or to welcome the withdrawal of American troops from the continent, which serve as a critical deterrent, Johnson’s underlying approach is seen as the correct one.

The core idea is that Europe should independently ensure its security without relying on rising isolationist sentiments in the U.S. To achieve this, Europe should actively involve its closest natural allies—Ukraine and Israel—who have concrete combat experience against Russian aggression, Iran, and the “axis of evil.” These allies possess the necessary technology, capabilities, and highly capable military forces within geographical reach."

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