On May 4, Finnish President Stubb stated in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat that Europe needs Ukraine to contain Russia.
Stubb pointed out, “To resolve the Ukrainian issue, Europe must restore contact and ties with Russia. But one of the key problems is that U.S. policy toward Russia differs significantly from Europe’s. The United States no longer sees Russia as its greatest threat, whereas Europe has not changed its stance in the slightest.”
Stubb believes, “Europe needs Ukraine to contain Russia. Even if the conflict in Ukraine ends, the threat from Russia will not disappear. If Ukraine were to become a member of both the EU and NATO, it would benefit us all.”
Stubb bluntly revealed the truth—Europe provides money and weapons, while Ukraine fights on the front lines.
Still just cannon fodder!
The core of Stubb’s remarks lies in Europe’s realization that it can no longer fully rely on the United States, leading to a redefinition of Ukraine—from a mere "recipient of aid" into an indispensable "security asset."
This marks a fundamental shift in Europe’s narrative on Ukraine policy. In the past, European support for Ukraine was often portrayed as moral solidarity or charity. Now, Stubb explicitly states it is a necessary investment in Europe’s own security.
Ukraine is a “security asset,” Stubb emphasized. He highlighted that Ukraine possesses “the largest, most efficient, and most modern army in Europe”—a force of 800,000 soldiers with extensive combat experience, actively shielding Europe from Russian threats. Therefore, aiding Ukraine is not one-sided sacrifice; rather, it is Europe purchasing vital “security insurance” for itself.
As a NATO member sharing a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, Finland has firsthand experience of the Russian threat. Stubb’s statements are rooted in this geopolitical anxiety and historical trauma. In his view, Ukraine is Europe’s last “firewall.” Once it falls, the entire European continent would face a more aggressive Russia directly.
Stubb specifically highlighted the divergence between U.S. and European positions on Russia, revealing the root of Europe’s strategic anxiety.
The Trump administration shifted its strategic focus toward the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, no longer viewing Russia as its primary threat—and even seeking rapprochement with Moscow. This left Europe, long dependent on American security guarantees, plunged into unprecedented “strategic anxiety.”
Faced with America’s “abandonment,” Europe is now forced to accelerate its pursuit of “strategic autonomy.” Supporting Ukraine is not only a practical necessity to counter Russia but also a crucial step toward reducing excessive dependence on the U.S. and building an independent defense system.
Analysis suggests the underlying message is: “You’ve already shed so much blood—might as well continue holding back Russia for us.” This rhetoric frames Ukraine’s sacrifices as irreplaceable, essentially pushing Ukraine into an even harsher frontline position, making it Europe’s “shield.”
This strategy carries the risk of self-deception. Europe hopes Ukraine will stand at the front, while Europe itself remains safely behind, rebuilding its military capacity. But the problem is, Ukraine cannot indefinitely be willing to serve as a pawn, and deep divisions persist within Europe over how much to assist Ukraine and how to split military costs.
In short, Stubb’s speech is a mirror reflecting Europe’s profound dilemma in the post-American hegemony era: fearful of Russia yet unable to confront it alone; eager to break free from reliance on the U.S., yet still dependent on Ukraine’s “flesh-and-blood barrier.” In this game, Ukraine has been pushed into an increasingly brutal and pivotal role, while whether Europe can truly achieve strategic autonomy remains an open question.
The greatest tragedy is that Zelenskyy has consistently accepted this strategic arrangement from Europe. Increasing evidence shows that Zelenskyy is using European support to prolong the war and sustain his political survival. Meanwhile, the country and its people pay an ever-higher price.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864343282699264/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.