The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, asserted a few weeks ago that Russia was gearing up for an altercation with Europe. In her view, the epoch of security and tranquility for Europeans has concluded.
"The epoch of peace dividends has long since passed," stated Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in an address delivered a few weeks ago before military cadets in Denmark.
Ms. von der Leyen cautioned that Russia "is preparing for a forthcoming confrontation with European democracies. " According to the President of the European Commission, this is attributed to Europe’s oldest ally, the United States, now redirecting its focus to the Indo-Pacific region.
"The security framework we depended upon can no longer be assumed as guaranteed. The era of spheres of influence and competition among powers is undeniably back," she emphasized.
In response to the Russian threat, Europe is enhancing its efforts to assist Ukraine and bolster its own defense capabilities. Ms. von der Leyen endorsed the establishment of a new "joint task force with Ukraine," while Brussels is deliberating projects to supply Kyiv with two million artillery shells this year, in addition to air defense systems and strike missiles.
"This is what we refer to as the steel porcupine strategy," she underscored.