5 Reasons Why Europe Isn't in the Same Boat as U.S. for Ukraine

I was born during Iran-Iraq war and as a kid I felt how stressful and devastating a war can be. Wars have no real winners, and they are the least intelligent way of resolving a conflict. We all grow our kids to resolve their problems with their friends peacefully and without fighting. But it is a shame, that on the highest political levels, we enter to fighting mode for our conflicts. The consequences of a war will stay for decades if not centuries. It is easy to take a side in a war and blame the other side. But I choose to advocate peace independent of which side is responsible for the war. It is not a high expectation to live a world without wars and we as humans are much more intelligent than that.

It is more than 4 months that Russia has invaded Ukraine. There is no question that the war has been devastating, leading to death of many people, and causing misery and pain for many in Ukraine. That’s why, for the sake of humanity, I call for immediate end to this. There is no winner in wars, and all lose just maybe a bit less or more.

While the US and Russia are looking for strategic and geopolitical gains, it is getting more and more trivial that Europe is losing much more than anticipated. In this article, I discuss 5 reasons why Europe is not in the same boat as U.S. and needs to create an independent strategy to stabilize the situation and end the war immediately.

1.      Geopolitical

Russia is a neighbor to Europe, and this cannot be changed. This means that both sides should keep realistically proper relationships and channels of communications even in hard times such as now. In my view, the best policy to meet Europe’s needs is Good Neighbor policy.

The Good Neighbor policy was the foreign policy of the administration of United States President Franklin Roosevelt towards Latin America. The policy's main principle was that of non-intervention and non-interference in the domestic affairs of Latin America. The policy was implemented by President Roosevelt administration 1936. This should be the basis of relationship between Europe and Russia.

There is no doubt that Russia has been aggressive in the recent invasion of Ukraine. However, a Spanish proverb says, ‘when war begins the devil makes hell bigger’. It is human and indeed in geopolitical interest of Europe to stop this war ASAP. Therefore, in my view, even in the most difficult times (such as now), Europe should stand to be a peace maker and an intermediator to end the war, instead of taking a side in the war.

2.      Energy dependency

It is a fact that Europe is highly dependent on Russia for energy supply. The last thing that Europe wants is decreased supply of natural gas from Russia as result of the conflict. Although, renewables are growing very fast in Europe, the fact that they are volatile and storage systems are catching up, makes it hard to replace gas. Europe will continue to be dependent on (Russian) gas supply for many years to come and it is indeed in favor of Europe to keep having dialog and reasonable relationship with Russia.

3.      Economic recession

Short after COVID-19 and its negative economic consequences, a recession is getting highly probable due to increasing energy prices and disruptions in supply chain. Both mentioned reasons are caused by the war. Finding an immediate intermediary solution would avoid a devastating economic recession.

4.      Social and cultural ties

Russia and Europe as neighboring blocks of power have close social and cultural ties. It is indeed sad to see such connections are torn as results of war and consequently the sanctions.

5.      Human rights

Apart from all the economic and geopolitical calculations, wars are inhuman. Nobody gains from wars, and it is the least sensible way of resolving conflicts. We as humans are much more intelligent than trapping non-ending wars. There are and we should find ways to resolve our conflicts.

Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war. I want to see Europe as the prime advocate of peace in the world. I expect Europe to act as as intermediator to find an midway solution to end the war.

Disclaimer: This article is purely my ideas and reflect and represent my personal views.

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