Author: Juan Miguel Diaz Ferrer, professor, one of the founders of the International Movement of Russophiles. Originally written in Spanish for the newspaper “Ultimas Noticias” (Latest News), Venezuela.
European elites are suddenly trapped in their Russophobic fundamentalism and Cold War mentality and are watching with horror at Trump’s peculiar “realignment” of Ukraine policy and reviving of relations with Russia. These elites were stunned by the speeches of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Pentagon Chief Hegseth.
On Friday, during the 61st Munich Security Conference, Vance expressed his rejection of European policies that restrict free speech and accused European leaders of disrespecting the will of voters and canceling elections in Romania. For his part, Hegseth finally ended all illusions by declaring that NATO has no future for Ukraine.
To the bewilderment of these stale elites, NATO chief Mark Rutte was forced to act as a “fireman,” dousing Vance’s words with spin and criticism, saying he had given a “philosophical speech.” This departure of the Trump administration from the Biden era’s Russophobic stance has unleashed the hysteria of that European Union leadership that was elected precisely because of its Russophobic credentials. They are not recognizing the U.S. government’s proposed course for peace in Ukraine, they instead advocate a military solution and support the idea of “defeating” Russia.
An influential militarist coalition has emerged in the European Union, supported by Poland, Estonia and Lithuania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas insists that Russia must be defeated at all costs. Meanwhile, the EU’s new defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has called for a sharp increase in the overall military budget.
The aggressive EU top brass, led by Ms. Von der Leyen, is harming the interests of European citizens. As a result of sanctions against Russia, Europe has become a real strategic loser in the global geopolitical game. Without cheap Russian energy, its economy will not be able to be competitive with the United States and China, nor will it be able to maintain a high standard of living for its citizens. Europe faces an existential dilemma: either it gives up Russophobia, which, like any hatred, does not allow for reasoning, or like an incurable cancer, it will be driven to the grave by Russophobia.