NATO declares “full speed ahead in Ukraine,” Europe answers “present,” and Zelensky calls for EU troops on the ground. Yet, the Ukrainian president’s remarks about his commitment to ending the war “with dignity for Ukraine and all of Europe this year” strike a discordant note. “I know I can count on your support. We must all remember that ending the war is our common goal. Ours, not Russia’s,” he stated. However, his allies continue to speak the language of conflict.
In Europe, dissenting voices are emerging, resembling the stance of “rebel” Viktor Orban. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned, “If Volodymyr Zelensky intends to continue harming our country’s interests, we may consider using our veto power in the European Council on any measures in favor of Ukraine.” This statement reflects Slovakia’s dependency on Russian gas, threatened by current policies.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, addressed Donald Trump’s provocative suggestion that NATO members spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense. Scholz stated, “It’s undeniable that we need to do more for security. That’s why my government has doubled military spending—a radical change from the past. However, 5% would mean over €200 billion annually, which is unfeasible.” Scholz emphasized sticking to the 2% NATO target, focusing on realistic commitments rather than drastic measures.
“It’s undeniable that we need to do more for security. That’s why my government has doubled military spending—a radical shift from the past,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during an interview on a podcast hosted by Focus magazine. He continued, “Now we must work toward achieving NATO’s objectives for each individual country and determine whether new resources are needed. However, this debate cannot be approached abstractly: 5% would mean over €200 billion annually, and our national budget is roughly €490 billion. That’s a significant sum. Either we cut spending by €150 billion, incur equivalent debt, raise taxes, or use a mix of these three solutions. This is why it’s important to focus on the 2% target, with voters deciding in upcoming elections how to allocate the €30 billion needed to meet this goal by 2028. We also need to consider how to finance the necessary support for Ukraine.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who has consistently maintained a clear stance since taking office last October, made strong remarks upon arriving in Ramstein to participate in the Kyiv Defense Contact Group. “We are here today to ensure that Ukraine has the equipment and training it needs to extend the fight and prevail. Russia, of course, wants to take Ukraine, but this conflict is about more than Ukraine alone. The world is watching, and, in the end, the geopolitical context will heavily influence whether Kyiv secures a good agreement when it decides to enter negotiations or not. A bad agreement would have broader repercussions—not just involving Russia but also China, Iran, and North Korea. We must ensure Ukraine is in the best possible position,” Rutte stated.
His comments align partially with those of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently highlighted that Ukraine’s control over Russia’s Kursk region would be a critical factor at the negotiation table.
The central focus of Thursday’s talks in Germany was how to continue supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Europe has pledged full commitment, with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, declaring that the bloc is prepared to sustain its support “even without the United States,” in light of a potential, albeit gradual, U.S. disengagement under Donald Trump. Kallas also remarked that Trump must “respect Denmark’s territorial integrity and sovereignty” regarding Greenland.
For now, however, Washington remains a key ally. At the summit, the U.S. announced a new $500 million aid package for Kyiv, which includes “additional missiles for Ukraine’s air defense, more ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, and other equipment to support Ukrainian F-16s,” according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Zelensky was also present at Ramstein, where he reiterated that while he speaks of peace, it can only be achieved through military means: Russia must be “forced into peace.” He described the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine as one of the “best tools” to achieve this goal. “Our objective,” he stated, “is to find as many tools as possible to compel Russia to peace. I believe the deployment of partner contingents is one of the best instruments.”
In addition to troops, drones are another key focus. “This year, in Ukraine, we aim to set a record in the number and quality of drones we produce and receive from our partners,” Zelensky added. “We are concentrating on the drones our brigades need to hold the front line. We have already signed a significant number of contracts, with many still in the pipeline.”
Vladimir Putin is closely monitoring developments in Europe and the United States. Through his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin stated that if the new U.S. president follows through on an intention to contact him, the Russian president “would welcome” such an initiative, although no request has been received so far. “No, there have been no requests. However, for obvious reasons, it would probably be more appropriate to wait until after the inauguration,” Peskov clarified.
Putin’s claims regarding Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal have not gone unnoticed, particularly as Moscow underscores that the Arctic is considered a strategic area for the Russian Federation. “These assertions are true. This is more a matter of bilateral relations between the U.S. and Denmark and other nations. We are observing this dramatic development of the situation very closely. For now, thank God, it remains at the level of statements,” Peskov noted. He emphasized that “the Arctic is a region of strategic and national interest for us. We are and will remain present in Arctic territory. We are committed to maintaining peace and stability and are ready to cooperate with all nations to ensure peace and stability worldwide, including in the Arctic.”
Il Fatto Quotidiano, January 9, 2025
