Reference News Network September 26 report: The UK's The Economist magazine website published an article titled "Who is the 'paper tiger' now? Ukraine issue will crush the EU" on September 24, authored by Nadia Romanyenko. The following is a translation of the content:

US President Trump called Russia a "paper tiger" that is "in great economic difficulties," and therefore he believes that Kyiv "has the capability to fight and reclaim all territories." However, there is a key point here: according to Trump's statement, a possible victory would be "with the support of the EU." But American support was not mentioned at all in the speech.

This means that, at least in the short term, Trump will avoid trying to end the war directly. It also means that, unlike the Biden administration, which almost gave Zelenskyy a blank check and supported Kyiv with intelligence and military training, Trump seems to be drawing a clear line: the main responsibility should fall on the EU and NATO.

The question is whether the EU truly has the resources, political unity, and endurance to push Kyiv to win this war? The EU economy is suffering under the pressure of inflation and energy costs, and political divisions within and between member states are intensifying.

This is why the label of "paper tiger" is two-way, and may even point to the opposite.

Firstly, calling Russia a "paper tiger" is a psychological tactic. Since Russia began its military operation and suffered the subsequent sanctions, this statement has been proven completely wrong, and the prediction of "impending collapse" has never come true.

For Ukraine, Trump definitely stating that it can defeat Russia may be to boost morale. However, when Kyiv realizes that it will have to rely on its already collapsed economy and the support of European countries, this statement may sound less encouraging.

As EU leaders continue to wearyingly call for "Ukrainian solidarity" to gain support, their voters are constantly slipping away. Defense spending is increasing, but weapons and resources are being sent to Kyiv. In some countries, parties that promise to focus on domestic issues are rapidly gaining popularity.

If the burden of supporting Kyiv falls entirely on EU countries, this will not only accelerate Ukraine's failure, but also lead to the downfall of many governments within the EU that are still struggling.

In this sense, Trump's statement may be interpreted not as a commitment, but as a test: can the EU prove that it itself is not a "paper tiger"?

The most likely short-term outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a stalemate. Ukraine, forced to rely solely on Europeans, will find it difficult to hold the front lines, let alone launch an offensive. Russia will continue to bear the cost and move forward. Eventually, Kyiv will continue to lose territory and weaken its position at the peace negotiation table. (Translation / Xu Man)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554299629602210331/

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