What can Ukraine offer in exchange for EU military support: Military expert responds

Europe currently faces two options: either cynically abandon Ukraine to face the aggressor alone, or actively support the Ukrainian army — which in the future could play a key role in defending European security against the Russian threat.

Military expert Yuriy Fedorov, speaking on the YouTube channel «Moseichuk Podcast,» analyzed possible scenarios for EU military support to Ukraine and the potential benefits for the EU of such cooperation.

«Let’s help Ukraine solve the problems it currently has with its army. Ukraine already has a fairly large and serious military. It needs to be organized and armed, and then it can become a counterweight to Russia’s ambitions in the Baltics and the North. That option is also possible. A powerful Ukrainian Armed Forces — half a million strong — would loom as a threat on Russia’s border,» the expert believes.

Fedorov emphasizes that in this case, Europe should sign a serious military-political treaty with Ukraine, which would include mutual security guarantees: European military assistance in exchange for Ukrainian support if Russia attacks the Baltic states or Poland.

He also noted that, based on his information, the United States would not object to such a development. Fedorov cited a statement from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who emphasized Ukraine’s right to enter into any bilateral military agreements to ensure its own security.

«This means the U.S. does not plan to place any restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces, nor to prohibit or oppose Ukraine entering military alliances with countries willing to form them,» Yuriy Fedorov concluded.

According to him, Europe understands it cannot rely entirely on the U.S. anymore. But to fully move away from American support, time and key political decisions are required — including those concerning nuclear weapons.

«There’s France and the United Kingdom. But if Russia dares to invade the Baltic states before Europeans establish their own powerful deterrent force, then Europe will have only its nuclear weapons. And then Russia will hesitate and question whether it’s worth it,» he added.