Ukraine plays key role in Europe's security, says Center for Countering Disinformation chief
Ukraine today is the main guarantor of Europe’s stability, as its army has real-world experience of modern warfare, according to a statement by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
According to Andriy Kovalenko, recent global developments have made European military autonomy especially urgent.
He noted that the idea, discussed as far back as the first term of Donald Trump, was long delayed due to the weakness of European political elites, but its relevance is now growing. Kovalenko argues that Ukraine is the key guarantor of Europe’s future stability, because it is the only country on the continent with an army that truly understands modern warfare.
"Europe has the economy and the money, but it is extremely late with militarization," he said, adding that today’s world poses a fundamental security question to societies: whether citizens are prepared to risk, and even give their lives for their country. In his view, Europeans are largely not ready for this, as their political elites were raised without acute security threats, relying on the United States' guarantees.
Kovalenko believes this is precisely why China, using Russia, is interested in fragmenting Europe. A split within the European Union serves many interests, he said, while preserving unity between Europe and the US, and integrating Ukraine into the EU, is what can prevent such outcomes.
He stressed that a strong, cohesive Europe would ensure China’s problems do not materialize on the continent; otherwise, the US would still be forced to respond alone. In his assessment, the right European decisions on Ukraine could secure stability even amid turbulence, though it remains an open question whether Europe’s political elites are ready to take such strategic steps.
Paris summit on January 6
Members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States met in Paris on January 6, reaffirming their commitment to a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. Participants emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is decisive for both its own security and broader Euro-Atlantic stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a coordination group to ensure operational interaction among coalition countries, the US, and Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine following confirmation of a British contingent to support a future ceasefire.
