Europe's Appeasement Dilemma: The Price of Standing Against Putin

While the West rightly resists Russian aggression, European leaders risk self-respect and global standing by appeasing Donald Trump.

https://www.socialeurope.eu/europes-appeasement-dilemma-the-price-of-standing-against-putin



Since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, political leaders, experts, journalists, and a renewed cohort of peace activists have consistently warned against appeasing Vladimir Putin. Their argument is clear: authoritarian leaders are not deterred by pleasantries or concessions, but solely by a resolute will to resist. Force, they contend, must be met with force.

Given the substantial financial, political, and military support the West has channelled to Ukraine, accusing Western leaders of appeasing Putin is far from the truth. The unwavering backing for Ukraine stands in stark contrast to the infamous Munich Agreement of 1938, when Britain and France effectively surrendered Czechoslovakia’s independence without the Czechoslovak government even being present. Until recently, the West had steadfastly supported Ukraine in defending its sovereignty. The decisiveness and scale of military aid were constrained not by a desire for appeasement, but by Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Lately, even Donald Trump appears willing to confront Putin with force, provided it offers a lucrative business opportunity, as American solidarity with Ukraine now hinges on Europe’s willingness to bear the financial burden.

Fighting Putin is undeniably the correct course of action. Without the determination to resist his assault on Ukraine, any peace deal that does not equate to capitulation remains an illusion. However, even President Zelenskyy has indicated that a battlefield victory over Russia may not be feasible, and that some difficult concessions might be the price for a free Ukraine. Therefore, seeking an armistice while maintaining military support is not appeasement, but a pragmatic attempt to save Ukraine, which is slowly succumbing on the battlefield.

Paradoxically, while there is much discourse about an appeasement of Putin that simply is not occurring, hardly a word is uttered about the appeasement that is taking place. Donald Trump is engaging in blackmail and bullying tactics against countries worldwide, including traditional American allies. He has shown a willingness to accommodate Putin, expresses sympathy for various dictators, has authorised military action against Iran, threatened the national sovereignty of Greenland, Canada, and Panama, violated the American constitution, displayed complete disregard for international laws and rules, and abused state power to pursue domestic opponents. He is a bully who unequivocally comprehends only the language of strength.

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