Beyond the historical significance that one wants to give to Volodimir Zelenski’s visit to Brussels to address the European Parliament and hold a summit with the European Council, it is important to underline the importance of the previous stage of the trip. On Wednesday in Paris, to meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macronand with the chancellor of Germany, Olaf Schölz. The reason for such a preamble is obvious: the President of Ukraine understands that the scope and limits of European solidarity depend a lot on the analysis of the situation made by the two first powers of the EU. The unity of European action rests on the Franco-German axisespecially after the decisive step taken by Berlin in the thorny issue of the supply of Leopard tanks.
Hence, the determination of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsolaby demanding the supply of long-range missiles and combat aircraft -Zelenski asks for F-16 fighters-, something that the president of the United States, Joe Biden, has unreservedly ruled out, and that in many European chancelleries is considered a double red line that in no case must be crossed if you want safeguard the direct non-involvement of the Union in the war. The differences between Metsola’s words and the generic allusion to the aid that Ukraine needs contained in the joint statement issued by the groups of the European Parliament are also evident. And in the same sense are the words of Charles-MichelPresident of the European Council, at the end of the summit, avoiding entering into specifics about upcoming aid as, moreover, prudence advises.
In the same way that the Ukrainian desire to shorten the deadlines for opening negotiations for accession in the EU is understandable, although unfeasible, so is the concern of some European partners in the face of a more effective involvement in the war. Although allusions to a negotiated outcome of the war are increasingly rare, Macron’s references in this regard, in the sense that one day the decision to negotiate with Russia will have to be made, are part of the history of the crisis. The invasion of Ukraine is a great challenge for European security and economy, the greatest challenge against the ‘status quo’ on the continent, and it is precisely the dimensions of the crisis that require a permanent calculation of risks.
Zelensky’s round phrase “we are defending ourselves and we are defending you” contains a large dose of truth. The thesis according to which it will not be possible to restore stability in Europe as long as the Russian autocracy does not soften its profile is realistic and widely shared. And a conclusion of the Ukrainian president fits the facts: his country defends itself against the “greatest anti-European force in the modern world.” But the long debate about the risks of escalation that preceded sending tanks to Ukraine is too recent to set new targets that would open up another discussion in the military arena. Europe embraces Zelensky and must maintain its support for Ukraine, but it must also be proactive and tenacious in the search for an alternative to all-out war.