Europe's slow awakening in the face of Vladimir Putin's Russia

Faced with the new acceleration of the war in Ukraine, the West is struggling to provide a firm and united response to Vladimir Putin. And faced with new threats from the Russian president, who warns that he could now hit them directly, they hesitate, vis-à-vis Ukraine, between reiterated support but with limits (Joe Biden), verbal promises ( NATO, France, United Kingdom and Sweden), and the “ prudence ” (Germany).

Since the start of the war in February 2022, under the appearance of unity and firmness, the West has helped Ukraine militarily by constantly pressing the brake, by delivering too little and too late the weapons that could have enabled Kiev to make the difference against Russia. Fearing the nuclear threat brandished by the Kremlin and fearing a defeat for Russia, considered as dangerous as its victory, they applied to the conflict a policy of restraint and half-measures, which allowed Ukraine to resist…