Toni Mikkola

This is not an escalation. It is the logical, necessary response to Russia’s repeated violations and a duty to protect our people."

With the formal consent of the Government of Ukraine, Allies will intercept missiles and drones assessed to be on a trajectory towards Allied/EU territory, engaging them at the earliest opportunity — including over Ukrainian airspace.

What should be the NATO and EU response.

"To safeguard the inviolability of Allied and EU airspace, and the sovereignty of our member states, we are instituting immediate defensive measures.

range of Ukraine's Flamingo missiles (V1 2.0)

Vatnikvernichtungswaffe 1

Vatnikvernichtungswaffe 1

The range of Flamingo

Truth

But if Europe chooses to appease Putin, history will judge them harshly.

There will be no hiding from the consequences. The time to act is now, before the storm gathers strength.

Europe’s role in this process is crucial. The honourable course of action is to support Ukraine and reject the Trump-Putin pact. If Europe stands with Ukraine, the pact may not last, and a genuine peace may be possible.

Europe’s Role in the Peace Process

The real question now is not whether we want peace, but whether we are willing to accept a fragile peace that would pave the way for an even deadlier conflict.

But appeasement has never worked. The cost of allowing Russia to redraw borders by force would be disastrous for Europe. Such a decision would set a precedent that would undermine the very principles of international law and sovereignty.

There will be those who argue that pressing Ukraine to give up is the best course of action — that a temporary ceasefire is preferable to the continued destruction of Ukraine.

But what about Europe? Will European leaders follow Zelenskyy’s example, standing firm in the face of Russian aggression? Or will they pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace deal that sacrifices its sovereignty, just as they pressured the Polish government in 1944?

The Zelenskyy Stance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear: Ukraine will not capitulate. As long as Ukraine can still fight, and as long as it has the support of its allies, it will continue to resist any peace agreement that leaves its territory in Russian hands.

His approach to Russia compares to Chamberlain’s appeasement of Hitler in 1938, where short-term diplomatic solutions were prioritized over the long-term security of Europe. Putin’s goals have always been clear: the continued disintegration of Ukraine, and eventually, Europe itself.

In much the same way, President Trump’s approach to peace with Putin should come as no surprise. Trump has long expressed his intention to make a deal with Putin, showing little concern for the long-term security of Europe or the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Churchill’s words were meant to shame the Poles, but they ignore the real issue: the abandonment of a country that had sacrificed so much for the freedom of Europe. This was not Churchill’s finest moment of World War II. It might have been his worst.

Winston Churchill, in his frustration, rebuked the Polish Prime Minister: “You are no Government if you are incapable of taking any decision... What did you put into the common pool? You may withdraw your divisions if you like. You are absolutely incapable of facing facts.”

Instead of rejecting this outright, the Allies pressured the Polish government to accept Stalin’s redrawn borders, even as they recognised the sovereignty of the Polish state.

A Familiar Betrayal of Sovereignty

The current moment echoes another shameful chapter of history: the betrayal of Czechoslovakia in 1938. However, the situation may be even more akin to what transpired in 1944, when Stalin demanded that parts of Poland be ceded to the Soviet Union.

Rather than bringing lasting peace, this would create a dangerous lull, giving Russia the time it needs to regroup, rearm, and prepare for a renewed offensive. History has shown that appeasement only emboldens aggressors, and Russia's imperial ambitions — from Kyiv to Odesa — would remain unchecked.

The lifting of sanctions would allow Russia to revive its economy, replenish its military forces, and modernise its weapons and technology.

The Cost of Peace on Russia’s Terms

In the short term, hostilities may cease, and Ukraine could begin rebuilding its shattered infrastructure. However, peace on Russia's terms would provide Moscow with an opportunity to strengthen its position, both militarily and politically.

But this is the starting point Putin offers for any negotiations, setting a dangerous precedent. If Ukraine were to accept peace now, with these regions remaining under Russian control, what would follow?

Europe’s Role in the Peace Process
For the rest of the world, however, these areas are part of Ukraine, recognised by international law, treaties, and historical borders.

For Russia, this is a fait accompli; the territories are already embedded in Russian law, and Putin has stated unequivocally that these regions are “ours forever.”

a precedent that would undermine the very principles of international law and sovereignty.

Putin’s Vision of Peace

Vladimir Putin is ready for peace talks — but on his terms. Under his proposal, all territories currently under Russian occupation, including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, would remain under Russian control.