Europe must prepare for shifting US stance on Ukraine, former Latvian minister warns

Artis Pabriks, former Latvian Defence Minister and head of the Northern European Policy Center, has urged European nations to prepare a "Plan B" in the wake of potential changes in the United States' position on Ukraine.

Pabriks emphasized that Europe must be prepared to face the shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly if the US changes its stance on support for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"We Europeans must understand that very soon we will be on our own," Pabriks warned.

"Our plan B after Trump should be to create a defensive coalition, which, I believe, will include the Baltic and Northern European countries, Poland and the United Kingdom," he stressed.

Pabriks also called for an increase in defense spending, recommending that the countries in this coalition dedicate 4-5 per cent of their GDP to defence. This would create a more self-reliant European defence network, in the event that the US reduces or withdraws its support.

In addition to strengthening European defence capacities, Pabriks underscored the need for Europe to play a more active role in supporting Ukraine militarily, particularly as the US may reduce its supply of weapons and ammunition. "As for Ukraine, we have no other choice but to replenish all the weapons and ammunition that the United States no longer supplies. If we abandon Ukraine, we will shoot ourselves in the foot. We must finally understand that Ukraine is our front line against Russia," he said.

Benjamin Tallis, head of the Democratic Strategy Initiative think tank, echoed Pabriks’ concerns, emphasizing that Europe must reassess its relationship with US President Donald Trump and act strategically to maintain its position on the global stage.

"We must act seriously, in an organized and strategic manner to earn a place at the negotiating table if we do not want to be next in line," Tallis underlined.

One of the central issues under discussion in Europe is the deployment of European military forces to Ukraine. However, experts point out that there is still no consensus within the EU on this matter.

Meanwhile, European leaders are preparing for an informal meeting in Paris on February 17, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and European security. The agenda will also address the EU's independence in security matters, including possible steps to strengthen its military capabilities and response strategies.

Christiane Hoffman, a representative of the German government, confirmed that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will attend the meeting, though she stressed that no concrete results are anticipated. Paris is also expected to discuss issues such as anti-Russian sanctions, support for Ukraine, the use of frozen Russian assets, and the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine.

The European Union is scrambling to react to the US and Russia’s preparations for peace talks in Ukraine, underscoring the need for Europe to quickly align its strategies amid the evolving international landscape.

By Vafa Guliyeva