Time for rapid decisions in Europe

The world is changing fast, and with it, the balance of power. Once the United States was the undisputed leader of the West – setting the agenda and defining roles – but today its approach has grown increasingly odd. Trump's America no longer aspires to lead the free world; instead, it has shifted its focus toward antiquated ideas. Strangely enough, this shift presents an opportunity for Europe.

For the past 80 years, the old continent has become accustomed to playing the role of a junior partner, simply taking orders from Washington. But in today’s new reality, Europe must choose: should it forge its own path as an independent player, or continue to be molded by someone else’s policies? Talk of “strategic autonomy” remains empty rhetoric until the EU crafts a unified defense strategy, learns to act without constantly looking to the U.S., and stops trying to balance two conflicting stances – supporting Ukraine while hesitating to toughen its policy toward Moscow’s empire.

Three years of war have made one thing clear: half-measures don’t work. The Kremlin won’t stop on its own; it will keep testing the West until it hits a firm barrier. Europe can no longer afford to be an economic giant that shies away from making tough decisions. If you don’t want war on your doorstep, you must leave the aggressor no room to maneuver – which means moving the buffer zone right up to Russia’s borders.

So, what steps need to be taken?

Rethink European security. Ukraine has already proven its commitment to the European project, whereas Belarus remains a vassal of Moscow. This means the old concept of a buffer zone has run its course. The new buffer isn’t Ukraine – it’s the temporarily occupied regions along Russia’s border, which should achieve their independence.

Act proactively. Recognizing the right of Russia’s peoples to self-determination isn’t a utopian dream; it is a practical policy. Regions like Kola, Pomorye, Karelia, Ingria, Circassia, the Pskov Republic, Smolensk Republic, the Republic of Chernozem, the Don Republic, Komi, and Kuban could emerge as independent states within the post-Russian space, forming a new zone of stability rather than a source of threat. Moscow won’t be able to wage wars if it lacks the resources. To make that happen, Europe must support national liberation movements, tighten sanctions against the repressive machinery of the Russian Federation, and build a coalition of countries committed to weakening Russian imperialism.

Strengthen Central Europe. Cities like Warsaw, Kyiv, Vilnius, and Tallinn have already become pillars of a new security order. Now, Bucharest, Helsinki, Stockholm, Prague, Vienna, Oslo, Bratislava, Berlin, Zagreb, Copenhagen, and others should join them. The Intermarium is not just a theory – it is a new reality that could offer a genuine counterbalance and decolonize the last colonial empire in Europe.

Abandon illusions. Russia won’t change as long as it remains an empire. The only way to prevent future wars is to dismantle that empire. History shows that Europe was safer when it was bordered by a ring of independent states rather than by an empire. Now is the time to cement that lesson once and for all.

The days of passive defense are over. If Europe wants peace, it must learn to take the initiative.