Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged Europe to awaken and develop its own defense policy after a huge shift in the U.S. stance on Ukraine and recent geopolitical developments. Mitsotakis commented at a business meeting in Thessaloniki late Wednesday, reflecting on a series of recent shifts in U.S. policy.
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and suggested that Kiev incited three-year clash with Russia. Trump also warned that Zelenskyy needs to act quickly to ensure peace, or risk losing his country, a statement exacerbating tensions with European officials.
Apart from complexity, the United States and Russia did not hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia this week, which shocked Kiev and its European allies. Ukraine has made it clear that it will not accept the deals implemented on this without the view of European leaders, and Russia has excluded the recognition of the land it has obtained.
Mitsotakis stressed that Europe needs to “fall into geopolitical and economic lethargy from an unfortunate period.” “Recent developments and this different view of things in the United States are now, we are forcing us not only to face the truth, but to act at a very high rate and implement the decisions we have been discussing for a long time.”
Greek leaders pointed out that it is necessary for Europe to develop its own defense policies so that the mainland can develop its own deterrent force and reduce its dependence on the United States.
His comments discussed the situation in Ukraine after he attended a virtual meeting convened by France and Europe and Canada.
Europe has been relying on U.S. power for years to be safe in NATO, but Trump has been asking Europe to increase its defense spending. The former U.S. president is now calling on Europe to contribute more military strength to any future Ukrainian peace agreement. However, experts warn that without the help of the United States, Europe will be extended to meet such needs.
