Путін could use Trump's position to hybridize attacks on Europe or invade the Baltics, - Леонов

Russia can take advantage of the period before the New Year to intensify hybrid operations against Europe or even a direct invasion of the Baltic countries. Against this background, the question arises whether Europe is ready to take responsibility for its own security and demonstrate to Moscow its readiness for a military response

"Український фокус. Ранок" at Slawa.TV and "Еспресо" said the executive director of the Center for Applied Political Research "Пента" Олександр Леонов.

According to the expert, Europe has actually become the main ally of Ukraine: it finances the Ukrainian economy, pays for the purchase of weapons and develops its own military-industrial complex taking into account Ukrainian needs.

At the same time, noted Леонов, США during the presidency of Дональда Трампа is not a reliable ally in deterring Russia. This can be used by the Russian dictator Володимир Путін.

"Путін, будьмо чесними, може розглядати цей період, особливо до Нового року, як вікно можливостей для гарячих фаз гібридних операцій проти Європи чи навіть для прямого вторгнення в країни Балтії. Про такий сценарій теж говорять, хоча варіанти розвитку подій різні", said the expert.

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According to Leonov, in this situation, the key question is whether Europe is ready now to take responsibility for its own security.

He recalled President Фінляндії Александера Стубба's words late last year that any security assurances from a Russian invasion ultimately depend on the willingness of the countries providing them to fight Russia.

Леонов also drew attention to the actions of Великої Британії, which transfers weapons to Ukraine, in particular for strikes on the territory of Russia. According to him, this is a direct signal to Putin.

Another important signal the expert called statements in the Bundestag about a possible response from Germany in the event of a Russian invasion of one of the European countries.

"Якщо буде вторгнення в одну з європейських країн, то Німеччина завдаватиме ударів по російських тилах, зокрема блокуватиме Калінінградську область і битиме по ній. У Росії це сприйняли серйозно, бо Путін почав погрожувати ядерною зброєю", noted Леонов.

In his opinion, Europe should clearly demonstrate its readiness not only to respond to Russian aggression, but also to strike at Russia. This can be the main guarantee against the Kremlin's plans.

At the same time, Ukraine’s ability to harm the Russian economy remains an important factor of deterrence.

"Чим більше шкоди Україна завдає російській економіці, тим менше шансів, що Росія наважиться відкрити ще один фронт. Усе це взаємопов'язано", the expert said.

Леонов expressed the hope that Europe will find additional resources to increase assistance to Ukraine. However, according to him, Ukraine also needs to work to strengthen its own state and implement the necessary reforms, because the financing of its economy depends on this.

"Важливо, щоб ми були найкращими учнями серед країн, які хочуть і готові приєднатися до Європейського Союзу", the expert concluded.

• the Bipartisan Group 12 Senators США the President 's Дональда Трампа call to cancel the recent agreement with the Russian ruler Володимиром Путінимwhich gives Russian diesel fuel access to global markets. Lawmakers said that such a decision harms the interests of США It betrays Ukraine.