Europe Finally Gets It

December 1, 2025

The resignation of President Zelensky’s second-in-command, Andriy Yermak, was just one of several “earthquakes” that have rocked geopolitics in recent days. Leaked tapes of President Trump’s negotiator coaching Russians on getting a favorable deal for themselves shocked allies. A recent poll shows Trump’s approval rating has hit a new low because of his pro-Russia stance. Most significantly, Europe inserted itself in talks concerning Ukraine, and its governments are mobilizing. On Nov. 28, a classified and ambitious German “war plan” was leaked, based on estimates that Russia will be ready to attack NATO in 2029 or earlier if Ukraine falters. Chancellor Friedrich Merz explained the reason behind Germany’s dramatic war footing: “We’re not at war, but we no longer live in peacetime.”