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Analyst from Kyiv: This Is Now a European War, Brussels Must Move from Words to Deeds
Photo: EPA/ARSEN DZODZAIEV

Analyst from Kyiv: This Is Now a European War, Brussels Must Move from Words to Deeds

EU leaders will meet on Wednesday in Copenhagen for informal talks on defense and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Proposals on the table include the so-called "drone wall" to improve the EU's air defence, as well as loans to Kyiv from Russian assets frozen within the bloc.

"I have some expectations from this meeting, but we need to wait for actions. Words can be loud, but there are no actions… For me the most important question is whether Europe realises that outsourcing security no longer works," said Daria Vilkova, a professor at the Institute for International Relations in Kyiv and a geostrategic analyst for N1.

Vilkova says that Ukraine, with its experience, can help strengthen European security, especially regarding drones.

"From the Ukrainian perspective, we have experience with all kinds of drones; we face attacks far worse than those in other countries and we can share that experience. That is most important for the EU and NATO. Security must be taken into our own hands," Vilkova says.

She added that she expects more concrete steps from European countries.

"My view is that there are spillover effects from every conflict, especially on the scale we have seen in recent years. Russia is stirring up a hornet's nest and wants to see the reactions. From my experience, I would say the response of the countries under threat is not sufficient. Maybe that's my Ukrainian stance, but the time for rhetoric is almost over. We see that Russia is ready and, to varying degrees, capable of showing its strength; they are threatening. It's nothing new, but they have moved from words to deeds — it's time for others to do the same," she said.

She added that this was not a European war before, but it is now.

"This is evident from the very frightened reaction of leaders of some countries. Drones will affect logistics, trade — this is a pivotal moment. What Russia is doing is not the main question; the question is what Europe will do in response to this show of muscle," Vilkova pointed out.

Regarding the announced delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Vilkova is sceptical.

"Will we see Tomahawk missiles launched from Ukraine at Russia? Of course, I would like to see that, but I'm not sure it will happen. I repeat, rhetoric is not enough; it's time to move to action. If that means shooting down aircraft, perhaps we should do that," Vilkova says.

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