As Russia issues threats of "World War III," Europe has the power to end the conflict in Ukraine without deploying troops, according to Iulia Joja, an expert in European security.
No need to Deploy Troops
Joja, who coordinates the Frontier Europe Initiative in Washington, D.C., argues that Russia's so-called "red lines" have proven to be more rhetoric than reality.
Joja explains that European countries, along with the United States, have not fully committed their resources to support Ukraine.
"We continue to limit resources both in quantity and quality. Germany is one example, but the U.S. is perhaps even more evident," Joja said. Despite promises of substantial aid, she points out that the U.S. has not delivered all that it pledged, and Germany has similarly fallen short.
Joja emphasizes that Europe and its allies do not need to deploy troops to defeat Russia.
"We can win this war without setting foot there," she stated, highlighting the unprecedented luxury of being able to achieve victory without direct military involvement. This perspective challenges the idea that Western nations must take extreme measures to support Ukraine, suggesting instead that a strategic approach with available resources can be effective.
Red Lines in Military Conflicts
The expert also delved into the concept of "red lines" in military conflicts, noting that these threats are often not followed through by the countries that issue them.
"We've been told that sending military aid would start World War III, but every time those red lines have been crossed, nothing happened," Joja said.
She argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has used these threats to intimidate, but the West, particularly the Biden administration, has shown a lack of a clear strategy in responding to the conflict.
Joja believes that while the fear of escalation has influenced Western decisions, it is possible to confront Russia effectively without direct military intervention.
She underscores the importance of a strategic approach that utilizes existing resources to support Ukraine and weaken Russia's position. Joja's analysis suggests that with the right strategy, Europe can help end the conflict in Ukraine, offering a path to peace without the need for ground troops.
