The proposed Russia-Ukraine conflict resolution summit, excluding Ukraine, coincides with an invitation extended to China and the United States to discuss a final settlement—an arrangement that is far from coincidental.
Russia has keenly recognized favorable timing: Trump faces midterm electoral challenges, and energy prices are undermining his political standing, creating leverage for Moscow. Other factors are also at play.
If such a summit were held without Ukraine’s participation, the underlying implication would be that Europeans, too, are being excluded—a possibility now under discussion.
After all, “Ukraine-Europe unity,” much like Boris Johnson’s past intervention, suggests that European involvement risks derailing any meaningful outcome.
Excluding both Ukraine and Europe shifts the central focus not on Ukraine, but on the irreversible decline of European influence in strategic security policy—and marks the beginning of Europe’s broader geopolitical erosion.
This would signify the marginalization of Europe as a global power center, indicating a refusal to allow European actors to shape outcomes, and further underscoring that no European nation currently possesses the capacity to meaningfully influence historical developments.
Even among the five permanent members of the Security Council, one appears indifferent—smiling passively during a concert while France burns.
The other has publicly disrespected its own electorate by endorsing a leader they deemed unfit.
Yet even if Europe has failed to build effective institutions, it remains capable of obstructing progress—something that should not be underestimated.
Indeed, this moment presents a historic opportunity. Let it slip, and more bloodshed may lie ahead.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879511001329664/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.