Russia-Ukraine War (continuing)

If you think the US is an ally then you must have missed the last month. They're done, an adversary in practically every way. I'd have more faith in China than the US.

As for Israels contribution to a strategic value. Name one. They've been a bad actor on the world stage since they came into being. Meddling in US politics and European politics to push their Muslim's bad agenda. They've created extremist groups across the entire Arab world with their agenda and stunted the normal growth and progression of countries for thousands of km around them. There's not a single valuable thing they bring to the table unless you value, war, genocide, and covert operations to further their own ends.

Europe needs a defensive alliance to look after our interests in our locality. No colonial excursions or going toe to toe with other superpowers. But they should know if they try it on with us they're facing a formidable force. Most of the best engineering countries in the world are European. There's no reason we can't build the best equipment.

At least they have enough sense to by pass the EU.

I get where your frustration is coming from, but I think you’re oversimplifying the situation. The US isn’t perfect—it wasn’t perfect under Biden either—and recent actions have certainly strained relations. But calling them an adversary in every way is an overstatement. Economically, militarily, and diplomatically, Europe and the US are still deeply intertwined. Even if we pursue strategic autonomy, severing ties completely would be counterproductive.

Regarding Israel, its politics and actions are certainly polarizing, but dismissing its strategic value entirely ignores some key points. I’ll leave your (factually inaccurate) views on Israeli politics to one side for the sake of discussion and offer three strategic contributions Israel makes to global security: cyber-security, intelligence, and military technology. These are areas crucial for modern defense, and I think you’ll agree on their importance. You don’t have to support Israel’s foreign policy to acknowledge the value they bring to global security dynamics.

As I mentioned before, I agree that Europe needs a strong defensive alliance that protects our interests without unnecessary military interventions. But building that capability takes time, massive investment, and—most importantly—political unity. Europe has incredible engineering talent, as you noted, but building the best equipment isn’t just about technical skill. It also relies on efficient logistics, secure supply chains, and strategic partnerships. To achieve this, we need to collaborate with our existing allies. In an increasingly interconnected world, strategic alliances are essential—even as we in Europe strive for greater self-sufficiency.

One last point: if there are no colonial excursions or going toe-to-toe with other superpowers, then doesn’t that give Russia free rein to continue doing as it pleases? I would have thought that a credible deterrent requires more than just a defensive posture. It requires the capability—and the willingness—to stand up to threats when necessary. Otherwise, we risk emboldening aggressors who see inaction as weakness.

This is a direct result of the concessions Trump made even before the negotiations begun: no return to the pre 2014 borders, no NATO membership, and no US troops on the ground. Predictably, Russia then took all of that as a given and are demanding way more. It's the difference between the experience of the Russians and the cluelessness and ambivalence of the Trump team of negotiators. Men and boys.

What's all this "we" stuff about Europe anyway 😀? (see sig)

Vance won't be jetting into Israel to deliver insults and a lecture about having "enemies within" taking over (like Musk, he seems to include non Trump alligned parties currently in power in UK/France/Germany + some of very leaders he was talking to!), opine about how Israelis no longer share core values with the US etc. US defence secretary isn't telling Israel, buy more of our weapons, but you may be on your own with enemies quite shortly!

It's not "isolationism" to just observe what is going on, listen to what the current US govt. is saying, and react accordingly IMO (and of course, it is the US doing the alienation here). I mean afaiaw a large % of European armies weapons are bought from non European countries (mostly the US, but Israel would be up there too), which is (partly) why Europe collectively is in bind it is in now over Ukraine. It's not like it is possible that will go to zero quickly, just bringing it down to a much more manageable % so the countries involved are less exposed in future, will take work (vs just buying US/Israeli weapons off the shelf) and years.

As regards future weapons purchases for the EU in particular, Israel is kind of like Switzerland IMO (or worse, maybe more like Turkey, given you have France currently arming Armenia, and Israel arming Azerbaijan…). Purchasers would want to be careful what conditions might be set on use of these weapons and who they can be shared with, should Russia or others attack an EU member, or another EU accession country perhaps (odds of that have to be rising, one would say). Then in war, posssibly close to home or involving their own territory, they will want to have a reliable supply.

Remember trump warned Germany about their energy policy putting them into bed with Russia which is the cause of the current crisis in Germany. The smug looks say's it all. Europe has been living in fantasy land for too long. Stop blaming America for problems we enabled.

And now they are reliant on Trump for energy, strange how things can change . Doubtful Trump is the type of guy who would use that as leverage though.

https://archive.is/GJ4WE

Trump has alienated half of his own country people. A president traditionally promises to serves all citizens, but that's not Trumps style.

Anyway no sign of Mexico building any wall recently.

We were entwined with the US but no longer. They have Musk interfering in our elections, the couch fcuker lecturing us on democracy. A negotiation going on with our biggest threat that will massively affect the future of Europe, where we are being shut out of the room despite being the biggest contributors to the war effort and the refuge for those fleeing the war. How did it affect the US again, besides bankrolling their MIC and creating jobs? If you think we're on the same page anymore, you're very niave.

As for Israel, the only "intelligence" they have is on situations of their own making. Their WMDs tip off in Iraq was spot on. Didn't have any negatives… apart from the 1 million dead, creation of Isis, civil war in Syria where the Russians decided that chemical extermination was the way to go. What would we do without good old Israel.

The only thing holding back the Europe is a will to push on. We'd wipe the floor with Russia with what is available across Europe today. In fact, Poland alone would decimate Russia without France or any of the rest having to lift a finger.

The world has changed. We either react or we end up on the menu.

They could simply send a small number of peace keeping troops to Ukraine, far from the front lines. A symbolic action which could have a significant impact on negotiations.

Yep, Russia IS at its weakest. Now is the time to hit them hard but appeasement trumps valor (excuse the pun).

Now looks like Macron is doing a 180 degree also.

He did not because that is not what he said. How strange you post a tweet that took the wrong conclusion from the interview.

Lavrov says that it will not accept any NATo troops - or any troops under any national flag of a NATO member.

BUT. , BUT, BUT there was a ‘TIME ‘ when there were ABSOLUTLY no NATO troops in Finland an d Sweden and NOW there is - the Swedish and Finnish armies becoming NATO soldiers on the very day that their countries. Became NATO members AND NOT A SQUEEK FROM LAVROV. The Russians being called out yet again

Starmer wasn't really talking about peacekeepers, at least not in the traditional sense. He specifically said UK troops would be used to provide Ukraine a "security guarantee". In other words, he was willing to go to war to defend the Ukrainian border. That's a lot different to the likes of Irish troops serving in Lebanon under a UN mission.

Starmer's suggestion has become a moot point anyway. The Russians have rejected having European troops in Ukraine and just about every other European country have turned down the idea.

in the sense that they can cut a deal with Russia over the heads of Ukraine and Europe yes I think they still count as a superpower…