By: Dominik Štrakl
The war in Ukraine could end tomorrow – the only condition is for Russia to withdraw from the occupied territories and stop its campaign of conquest. Everything else is political games that obscure the truth. Putin started it, and he can also end it, but as long as he believes that the West is not united enough for serious resistance, the war will continue. This is not just a Ukrainian problem but a crucial test for Europe – whether it will survive in the real world or remain trapped in its own illusions.
In decades of peace and economic development, European leaders have lost touch with reality. The illusion that wars would no longer be possible on our continent became a central political mantra. While countries were cutting defence budgets and relying on the American security umbrella, Putin was escalating his aggression. From Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014, to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – there were more than enough warning signs.
During this time, Slovenian diplomacy was promoting so-called feminist diplomacy instead of focusing on real security challenges. Rather than strategic alliances, we became a voice for progressive experiments detached from national interests. Where are the times when then-Prime Minister Janez Janša, together with the Polish and Czech premiers, travelled to besieged Kyiv, sending Ukraine and the world a clear message that it would not be left alone in its fight? That was state-building and strategically thoughtful diplomacy. Today, we are witnessing a policy that has stripped Slovenia of any serious influence on the international stage.
Ukraine proves that it is possible to resist a stronger enemy, but without constant Western military support, maintaining the resistance will become increasingly difficult. The key question is: Will Europe finally take responsibility for its own security, or will it continue to wait for the U.S.?
The recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky does not inspire optimism but rather serious concern. The tone of the talks and signals from the White House suggest that the dynamics of U.S.-Ukrainian relations are changing. Putin knows that the war against Ukraine is not just a military conflict but a war against the unity and confidence of the free world. If the West starts doubting itself, if it begins equating the aggressor with the victim, then it is playing directly into Russia’s strategy. Moscow wants nothing more than a West that is internally weak, divided, and incapable of strategic thinking.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Trump meant “America First” literally. We are witnessing the rise of American isolationism, which will have far-reaching consequences for Europe. It is time to stop deceiving ourselves. Europe can no longer count on the U.S. to unconditionally guarantee its security. If Europe is unable to ensure its own defence, it will soon find itself without protection. Now is the time to build a serious European defence union capable of acting independently.
Europe must therefore increase its production of weapons and ammunition to reduce dependence on third countries; harmonise weapons systems; consolidate security priorities and strengthen the defence industry to be capable of self-defence and long-term support for Ukraine; and build a stronger European pillar within NATO to ensure greater independence and strategic autonomy.
If Europe remains divided, we will see a two-speed Europe: one that invests in security and another that looks for excuses. Such weakness will be fatal.
For years, European leaders wasted time on bureaucratic projects while military threats multiplied. Europe’s future does not depend on climate taxes or woke experiments but on whether we build a strong, confident continent or merely watch helplessly as it declines.
At today’s (Thursday, March 6th) emergency EU summit, leaders must make critical decisions – whether to seriously build European defence or become spectators of their own helplessness.
What will we choose: illusion or survival?