Europe is "sleepwalking" into a dangerous confrontation with Russia and must urgently bolster its military capabilities, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister has declared in a stark warning to Western allies.
Olha Stefanishyna, speaking exclusively to The Guardian, delivered a sobering assessment of Europe's preparedness for what she described as Russia's existential threat to continental security. The Ukrainian minister's comments come amid growing concerns about Moscow's military ambitions beyond Ukraine's borders.
Europe's Dangerous Complacency
"Europe needs to get serious about the threat posed to it by Russia," Stefanishyna stated bluntly. "The current level of defence spending and military readiness across many European nations remains woefully insufficient to counter the Kremlin's aggressive ambitions."
The minister highlighted that while European leaders express support for Ukraine, tangible action on strengthening their own defences has been frustratingly slow. She pointed to delayed weapons deliveries and inadequate military funding as evidence of a dangerous gap between rhetoric and reality.
The Economic Dimension of Security
Stefanishyna emphasised that security concerns extend beyond traditional military considerations. Russia's manipulation of energy markets and economic leverage over European countries represents another front in the ongoing conflict.
"We cannot separate economic security from military security," she argued. "Russia has demonstrated repeatedly its willingness to weaponise every available tool - from gas supplies to cyber attacks - to achieve its political objectives."
Call for Immediate Action
The Ukrainian official outlined several urgent measures European nations should implement:
- Accelerated military spending to meet NATO commitments
- Enhanced weapons production to support Ukraine and replenish stocks
- Strengthened cyber defence capabilities against Russian attacks
- Diversified energy supplies to reduce Moscow's leverage
Stefanishyna's warning comes as military analysts increasingly suggest that without significantly increased Western support, Ukraine faces a challenging defensive position in the coming months. The minister stressed that European security is inextricably linked to Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression.
"If Ukraine falls, the frontline of European defence moves westwards," she cautioned. "The cost of containing Russia then will be infinitely higher than the cost of supporting Ukraine now."
