In a recent turn of events on February 17th, Ukraine faced challenges in defending the eastern town of Avdiivka due to a shortage of American ammunition, caused by Congress's failure to pass a supplemental aid bill. This incident has sparked discussions about Europe's ability to defend itself independently, especially in the wake of uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitments.

Ednews engages military expert Emil Kastehelmi to provide insights into the crucial question:

Can Europe stand strong against potential threats without the support of the United States?

Kastehelmi acknowledges that Russia's recent success in occupying Avdiivka doesn't necessarily indicate an overall triumph, as the majority of Russian forces are occupied in Ukraine, and their progress has been slow and challenging. He emphasizes the importance of a broader perspective when considering Europe's defense against Russia.

Addressing concerns about U.S. commitment to NATO, Kastehelmi notes that while the USA has not abandoned the alliance, there's an urgent need for European countries to take greater responsibility for their defense. He cautions against overreliance on the U.S. and encourages European nations to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Despite potential challenges, analyst remains optimistic about Europe's ability to defend itself. He points out that NATO's Eastern border is comprised of capable countries like Finland and Poland, with ongoing efforts to strengthen defense capabilities in the Baltic countries and Sweden. Additionally, the European military industry is more active than in recent history.

In a hypothetical scenario where the U.S. does not provide assistance, Kastehelmi suggests that while Europe may initially struggle, its larger population, robust economy, and production capabilities would eventually prevail against a conventional, large-scale offensive from Russia. He also highlights that Europe has yet to fully leverage a "war economy" during the conflict in Ukraine.

As uncertainties loom, the analysis sheds light on the need for Europe to fortify its self-defense capabilities, reinforcing the importance of collective security measures amidst changing geopolitical landscapes.
 
 Akbar Novruz