European powers are not in a position to replace this support, nor can they defend the continuation of the war if a settlement between the United States and Russia is reached. In such a scenario, Europe will be forced to pursue alternative approaches to protect its security in the face of Russian aggression.

Ukrainian soldiers launched a second counter-incursion into Russia after losing their grip on Kursk, officials and military bloggers say — with Kyiv allegedly eyeing the nearby Belgorod region.