Two months ago, when Kyiv was still under threat, Boris appeared quietly to show solidarity with Zelensky, while many other Western leaders stayed away. Then, realizing that the “manifestations” of solidarity were not even enough for the besieged countries, he continued to lead the most generous donation of weapons and military aid to Ukraine from any country in Europe. Zelensky has repeatedly praised Britain for offering real support – military and moral. We did not just talk about the talks, we walked the path, steadfastly supporting Ukraine and severing all ties with Russia.
It is a pity that Boris is mired in so much political rubbish, from the party to the puzzling antics in the Ministry of Finance. Because with each passing day, Britain’s moral superiority over Europe is becoming clearer. France, Germany and Italy, the EU’s three largest economies, are seeking to supply arms as they continue to pour billions of euros into Moscow’s military crates by buying its energy.
This fact does not seem to affect continental costumes. In fact, last week we were greeted by the irritating sight of the leaders of the countries themselves, from whom Ukraine begged for more help, arriving in Kyiv in a small group that greeted itself. Emmanuel Macron, Mario Draghi and Olaf Scholz showed up in the city on a luxury night train to purr and pat Zelensky on the arm and assure him that his country’s dream of being in the EU will not be in vain (the European Commission recommended Friday).
But Ukrainians, while happy to be considered for EU membership, are more concerned about the threat to law and order if Russia eventually wins, which these Europeans seem to allow to happen. Referring to one of Macron’s many reassuring comments, Zelensky’s adviser, Alexei Arestovich, ironically remarked: “They will say we need to end the war that is causing food and economic problems… that we need to save Putin ”
With so many words, he was absolutely right. Of course, all the ceremonial and symbolic visits to the world do not compensate for the lack of weapons, the real danger of Ukraine losing from a psychotic imperialist regime.
Germany’s bold promises months ago to send large consignments of state-of-the-art weapons seemed to signal that this clumsy, dangerously pacifist force had turned a new leaf, finally realizing the importance of winning wars against bankrupt fraudsters.
It was a mirage. Germany hesitates and abstains, still – still! – fear of hurting Russia’s feelings and petrified – along with the rest of Europe – by the loss of Russian gas supplies and the food shortages caused by the war. The weapons systems promised months ago have not arrived: the Iris-T air defense system could take months, and missile launches should not arrive until August or September. France and Italy also largely preferred to signal virtue instead of burning all bridges with Russia. But this is a strange kind of virtue. As Zelensky’s top adviser, Mikhail Podoliak, told NPR this week: “How can a country that rapes our women be allowed to keep its face? What do we need to win this war to end this war? We need weapons. “
Even Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy chairman of the Security Council and a close ally, sees things more clearly than Scholz and co. In an openly mocking tweet that seemed legitimate, Medvedev chuckled: “European fans of frogs, liver and spaghetti love to visit Kyiv. With zero use. Promised EU membership and old howitzers for Ukraine, burst into vodka and returned by train, as 100 years ago. Everything is fine. But this will not bring Ukraine closer to peace. The clock is ticking. ”
It is remarkable that with people like this at the helm, Europe’s desire not to offend Russia is still so unwavering. Or maybe it’s not so strange: only 80 years ago, Western Europe was very strong in not insulting Hitler and keeping Stalin sweet in the East.
Europe’s panic over gas and food – which came too late in the day – has led to spectacular spectacles, with Ursula von der Leyen visiting Israel last week and addressing her prime minister, Naftali Bennett, with something close to genuine respect, very rare indeed. from the unwavering Israeli skeptical EU.
With its technological and agricultural power, Israel should be able to help in one way or another. And I sincerely hope he can; Europe needs to overcome its obsession with Russian sensitivities – and quickly.
As the wise Eastern European Anne Applebaum tweeted back in May: “Putin does not need a diversion. He must lose. And only when he loses – only when he is humiliated – will the Russian wars of imperial conquest finally end. ” Letting Russia win does not only mean the end of European peace; this may indeed signal the beginning of the third world war.
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