Despite pressure from the Trump administration for a peace deal or a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia appears to be stepping up its attacks, launching almost 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine earlier this week. With President Trump keen on bringing this war to an end, or washing his hands of what he views as a European issue, Europe is debating how to build up their defense capabilities and support Ukraine. Professor Lawrence Freedman joins Thanos Davelis as we break down whether Europe is in a position to support Ukraine without Washington, and look into the broader lessons from the war in Ukraine.

Lawrence Freedman is an emeritus professor of War Studies at King’s College London, the author of Command: The Politics of Military Operations From Korea to Ukraine, and a co-author of the Substack Comment Is Freed.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

As Trump Wavers, Europe Is More Optimistic About Defending Ukraine

Russia Launches Biggest Drone Assault of the War, Ukraine Says

The Age of Forever Wars: Why Military Strategy No Longer Delivers Victory

Growing Conflict and Uncertain Alliances: On the Future of European Security

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