Trump's aid suspension leaves Europe scrambling for solutions
Donald Trump's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine has sparked an array of comments in the Austrian media. Experts warn that Kyiv can only hold out without U.S. support for a few months, and European aid cannot fully replace the supply of essential weaponry.
Austrian media caution that following Donald Trump's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, Kyiv can independently endure for only a few months.
The scenarios vary – optimists project survival until January 2026, while pessimists predict the front's collapse as early as the summer of 2025. However, experts concur that without American weapons, particularly air defence systems, Ukraine will become more susceptible to Russian missile attacks.
Europe can't replace the U.S. for Ukraine
The newspaper "Die Presse" notes that the most significant threat is the lack of U.S. missile supplies for the Patriot systems, which Europe cannot fully replace. If Ukraine does not find an alternative, the weakening of its air defence and the destruction of critical infrastructure could result.
"Der Standard" underscores the critical role of Europe – EU countries must do everything possible to prevent a complete severance of relations between Ukraine and the United States.
Although Europe can partially substitute U.S. aid, such as in air defence or short-range missile supplies, it cannot provide Ukraine with crucial intelligence and technological support.
According to Austrian commentators, the suspension of U.S. aid compels Europe to rethink its defence strategy and boost its own arms production. Without decisive action, Kyiv may be forced to concede to Russia – which would represent not only Ukraine's defeat but also the weakening of Europe's stance against Moscow.
