Quick EU help to Ukraine lies in depriving Russia of funding sources - former US special envoy Volker

Kurt Volker, a former US special envoy for Ukraine negotiations and distinguished fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, has stated that the European Union needs to take urgent action to help Ukraine in its war against Russia. While the EU lags behind the US in providing military aid, it could do more to cut off Russia's sources of funding, Volker said at a panel discussion in Alpbach, Austria.

Russia can still sell oil and gas to Europe, and these sales will continue until the end of next year, he noted. However, there are many third parties outside the US and Europe that are willing to do business with Russia, and Volker called on these parties to understand that they cannot do business with Europe. He emphasized the need for a sense of urgency, stating that the current lack of urgency effectively means the EU is on a train speeding toward subjugation rather than victory.

China, Russia, and other potential players are watching the situation closely, Volker added. Volker also agreed that Europeans need to change their mentality and recognize that stopping Russia is essential. This change in mindset should lead to concrete actions, such as providing Taurus missiles and other long-range systems. Additionally, Europe is underestimating the urgency of military approach changes, as it is rolling out drone technology more slowly than the US, despite the US's insufficient pace in this area.

Volker believes that Europe's position is stronger than that of the US when it comes to motivation and understanding the fight for freedom against authoritarianism, as the US fails to view the war against Ukraine in terms of values. Consequently, the US administration lacks urgency in providing support for Ukraine or ending the war, focusing instead on selling American weapons.