The European Union, long criticized for its tepid military response to international crises, finds itself at a historical inflection point regarding Ukraine. As Russia continues to escalate its territorial demands while simultaneously insisting that Ukraine remain permanently outside NATO, Vladimir Putin may be inadvertently pushing the EU toward a de facto Article 5-style defense commitment to Kyiv. This strategic miscalculation could not only transform European security architecture but also draw the United States deeper into the conflict, ultimately achieving the opposite of Russia’s stated objectives.
The EU’s Gradual Military Evolution
The European Union has undergone a remarkable transformation since February 2022, evolving from a primarily economic bloc into an increasingly milita