WIREDGOV

Ukraine has faced more than three years of relentless assault from an imperialist Russia determined to erase its sovereignty. Western weapons and aid have been vital, but Europe’s response has been hesitant, fragmented, and over-reliant on Washington.

Words of solidarity have not stopped missiles or drones and hesitation has allowed Moscow to dictate the terms of engagement. With Ukraine’s heartland under constant bombardment, Washington searching for a negotiated settlement and Putin openly indifferent to genuine peace – exploiting talks as cover while pursuing the war – it is now time for Europe to seize the initiative.

The urgency has been underscored by the overnight Russian drone incursion into Poland on 9-10 September. Several were shot down by NATO aircraft – the first time since the war began – triggering Article 4 consultations and the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, to reinforce the eastern flank. This latest incident has emboldened European leaders to consider further steps, with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski openly suggesting that drones and missiles should be intercepted over Ukrainian airspace, which otherwise pose spillover risk to neighbouring populations. His remarks point to a growing political consensus in Europe – that it can no longer maintain the status quo.

The War in Ukraine now demands a decisive intervention: a Sanctuary Strategy implemented by a coalition of the willing. This coalition – already preparing for a post-war peacekeeping role – must establish itself in Ukraine before the terms of peace are decided; waiting until after risks irrelevance. London and Paris must be the ones to drive this – as Europe’s two nuclear powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Along with regional anchors/enablers like Poland and Romania, smaller European states, many of whom already contribute to Ukraine’s defence, could be integrated in a NATO-style framework to ensure the mission is both scalable and collective.

By acting now, this European coalition would create a zone where Ukraine’s statehood endures and its armed forces are freed for decisive battles. Such a strategy provides necessity and relief for Ukraine, forces Moscow into strategic recalculation, re-establishes European credibility, further protects European airspace, and ultimately promotes the conditions for peace.

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