Additional Coverage:
Former NATO Commander Warns of Dire Consequences if Ukraine, Baltic Allies Lack Support
A former top NATO commander, Sir Richard Shirreff, has issued a grave warning to Europe: failing to adequately arm Ukraine and its Baltic allies could have devastating consequences. He also criticized former U.S.
President Donald Trump’s stance on NATO and his handling of the Ukraine conflict, suggesting it significantly damaged the alliance. Trump’s approach to Ukraine, including withholding intelligence and military aid, has drawn widespread condemnation.
While some worry about a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO, former U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace downplayed such concerns, stating that Europe has the resources to ensure its own security if necessary.
Sir Richard Shirreff expressed deep anxieties about a potential peace deal brokered by Trump that might lead to Ukraine’s capitulation. He warned that such an outcome could embolden Putin to further rearm and regroup, emphasizing Putin’s ultimate goal of controlling all of Ukraine.
Shirreff and other defense experts also fear Putin has designs on installing pro-Kremlin leaders in Georgia, Moldova, and Romania, with the Baltic states potentially next in line. This, they warn, could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and European powers, including the U.K.
Shirreff pointed to the alleged atrocities committed by Russian forces in Mariupol and Bucha as evidence of the brutality of a Russian advance. He highlighted reports of the deportation of children, rape, and the massacre of civilians.
Former U.S. Army Europe commander, Ben Hodges, warned that in a war with NATO, Russia would likely target key transportation hubs like airports and seaports.
Both Shirreff and Hodges have urged Europe to bolster its defenses against Russia. Shirreff stressed the importance of a unified and proactive Europe, stating that a fractured and unresponsive Europe would face a precarious future.
In response to the escalating tensions, Poland is developing a plan to provide comprehensive military training to all adult males, aiming for a 500,000-strong army. Meanwhile, the U.K. and France are leading efforts to build a peacekeeping coalition.
Diplomatic efforts to achieve a peace agreement are ongoing, with meetings scheduled between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. Former President Trump, however, recently indicated that negotiating with Ukraine is more challenging than with the Kremlin, and expressed his desire to see the war end before committing to security guarantees. This comes after his previous statements about considering sanctions and tariffs against Russia given its attacks on Ukraine.