Europe expects Russia's war against Ukraine to end by 2030
Photo: Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines (RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
Europe expects the war in Ukraine to end by 2030, which will give it time to prepare for potential threats from Russia, says Frederik Vansina, Chief of the Belgian General Staff, in an interview with Le Soir.
"2030 will be a difficult time for Europe. By then, we hope the war in Ukraine will be over. Russia will still be there with an army of between 650,000 and 700,000 experienced soldiers," he says.
According to him, by that time, Europe must strengthen its own defense capabilities and reach a level of military readiness that sends a clear signal to Putin.
"So by 2030, we must be able to tell Vladimir Putin that even without the Americans, he will not win a war against Europe. We still have a few years ahead of us. Thanks to the courage and blood of Ukrainians, who are buying us this time. That is why we support them so resolutely," he adds.
According to Vansina, the war in Ukraine has effectively reached a stalemate, but Russia retains significant military capabilities, with up to 700,000 experienced troops on the front lines.
"Russia still has a functioning military economy that produces military equipment daily, and the Russian narrative remains belligerent and aggressive," says the Chief of the Belgian General Staff.
He also noted Putin’s plans to expand the army to 1.5 million personnel and Russia’s aggressive rhetoric regarding a return to the 1997 borders, which would mean pushing NATO out of Central Europe.
"As soon as this conflict in Ukraine ends, we will need to be strong enough in Europe to deter the Russians. And all this against the backdrop of our current relations with the United States," Vansina concludes.
US threatens to withdraw from NATO
Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that he is seriously considering the possibility of the US withdrawing from NATO. This is because the Alliance did not join the United States’ operation against Iran.
He also adds that he never believed in NATO.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, most analysts consider a full US withdrawal from the alliance unlikely, but the very fact of the threats is already changing the dynamics within the bloc.
However, according to The Wall Street Journal, Europe has already begun secretly preparing a plan that would allow it to defend itself against Russia on its own, without US troops or guarantees.
