I think it’s less that Europe was weak, more that Merkel, in particular, thought that rational relations with increased trade would bring mutual prosperity and end the need for war, much like the EU did.
However, she forgot that she’s not dealing with Russia as a nation, she’s dealing with Putin as an egomaniac with delusional of grandeur.
Europe could still invade Russia and demolish them, but they would risk ww3 and nuke being used from Russia. They would easily win, but at what cost. Currently, Ukraine is a proxy war where Europe gets to give some support and keep Russia at bay without sacrificing quality of life, or political problems like job losses or inflation.
Even then, there is anti immigration sentiment in part due to war refugees. People don’t think Ukrainian should go home or aren’t valid refugees. They worry about rising homelessness of their nationals while refugees get housed.
Europe would be better in the long run to cut off Russian oil and gas, even if there are political and economic consequences. However, they won’t, due to the political consequences and all politics is local.
I think it’s less that Europe was weak, more that Merkel, in particular, thought that rational relations with increased trade would bring mutual prosperity and end the need for war, much like the EU did.
However, she forgot that she’s not dealing with Russia as a nation, she’s dealing with Putin as an egomaniac with delusional of grandeur.
Europe could still invade Russia and demolish them, but they would risk ww3 and nuke being used from Russia. They would easily win, but at what cost. Currently, Ukraine is a proxy war where Europe gets to give some support and keep Russia at bay without sacrificing quality of life, or political problems like job losses or inflation.
Even then, there is anti immigration sentiment in part due to war refugees. People don’t think Ukrainian should go home or aren’t valid refugees. They worry about rising homelessness of their nationals while refugees get housed.
Europe would be better in the long run to cut off Russian oil and gas, even if there are political and economic consequences. However, they won’t, due to the political consequences and all politics is local.