Leaders of 10 European countries including Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland, along with European Commission President von der Leyen, issued a joint statement on December 15 local time, stating that they have reached an agreement: "Any decision regarding possible territorial concessions by Ukraine can only be made after strong security guarantees are in place — these guarantees should include a multinational force led by Europe."
The core proposition of the statement: Any territorial concessions by Ukraine must be conditional upon "strong security guarantees," and must be decided by the Ukrainian people.
Key guarantee: A commitment to establish a "multinational force for Ukraine" led by Europe and supported by the United States, which will carry out missions within Ukraine.
· Main objectives:
Set negotiation prerequisites: In response to U.S. pressure, clearly define Europe's "bottom line" for negotiations.
Coordinate internal positions: In the context of increasing European strategic anxiety towards the U.S., demonstrate unity.
Comfort Ukraine: Provide long-term security commitments before Ukraine is forced to compromise on territorial issues.
Europe is no longer relying on the U.S. This move aims to bypass the U.S. and build its own military force, marking a "strategic loss mitigation." Faced with the risk of the U.S. shifting responsibility, Europe hopes to take the lead in establishing a military force, shaping the post-war European security structure, reducing the U.S.'s persistent pressure, and decreasing future dependence on the U.S.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851623877771276/
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