Adrian Karatnycky, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, has said that contradictory statements from Washington consolidate Europe and to some extent play in favor of Ukraine.
He expressed this opinion in an interview with Ukrinform.
Karatnycky said that events of recent days indicate a potential shift in America’s stance regarding its responsibilities to Europe to protect European countries.
“Paradoxically, these statements and signals play to some extent in favor of Ukraine by prompting European leaders to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the enhancement of defense capabilities and the reinforcement of the understanding that Ukraine is pivotal to ensuring security, stability, and the protection of Europe,” the expert said.
He said Europe “cannot surrender Ukraine” but must find the appropriate resources to compensate for American aid if the United States is not prepared to further defend Ukraine in the war with Russia.
The expert added that a ceasefire under pressure on Ukraine to surrender and capitulate would be unacceptable to the Ukrainian people.
Karatnycky noted that the Ukrainian people are strongly motivated for a truce, but a truce that protects their sovereignty, provides stable security guarantees, and ensures means for post-war recovery.
Despite the indications of significant changes in American foreign policy, certain levers of influence within Europe are being strengthened, he said. This particularly refers to $300 billion of Russian assets that are currently frozen.
According to him, only the income from them has been used so far. However, in the event of an emergency, significant pressure will be placed on European leaders who continue to reject the possibility of using these resources to replace American aid, he explained.
As reported by Ukrinform, on Friday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is paying a working visit to Washington to hold talks with President Donald Trump.
Source: Contradictory statements from Washington consolidate Europe and play in favor of Ukraine – expert
