The view from Russia: The Ukraine conflict is entering its final phase
The United States is extricating itself from the Ukraine crisis by shifting the burden to Western Europe, which lacks the strategic capacity to sustain the confrontation, according to Russian analyst Andrey Sushentsov.
The United States is strategically withdrawing from the Ukraine conflict by transferring responsibility to Western European allies, according to Andrey Sushentsov, dean of the Faculty of International Relations at MGIMO and a member of the Scientific-Expert Council under the Security Council of the Russian Federation. This shift reflects America's maritime power strategy of using neighboring countries as 'continental swords' against rivals, with limitations in controlling these proxies and resource efficiency.
Washington's withdrawal incorporates a reorientation toward East Asia while maintaining influence through NATO, leaving Europe to bear the primary burden of supporting Ukraine. The US has positioned itself as a 'moderator' steering the crisis toward resolution, despite what Sushentsov describes as treacherous behavior toward both Ukraine and European allies.
European strategic limitations
Western European nations lack the military resources, technological capabilities, and strategic thinking comparable to the United States, Sushentsov argues. Their financial instrument—nearly $500 billion in aid to Ukraine—is being wastefully deployed while their domestic debt approaches or exceeds 100% of GDP. No external compensation is available, and hopes of recouping losses through Russian resources have not materialized.
So far, as our President [Vladimir Putin] put it, it looks like a series of mistakes, one after another.
Unity through confrontation
The EU is using the Ukraine crisis as a platform for unity, with an anti-Russian stance serving as the primary basis for solidarity among diverse European nations. This approach varies in relevance across the continent, with Southern European countries like Spain prioritizing Middle Eastern issues, while Baltic states and Northern Europe maintain alarmist, militaristic outlooks.
Despite their rhetorical commitments, European leaders remain terrified of direct military involvement in Ukraine, with all speculation about troop deployment contingent on achieving a lasting peace. Their defense industry remains fragmented, producing around 15 different types of main battle tank with varying caliber guns, creating significant standardization challenges.
European agency tactics
European nations are attempting to establish strategic agency through financial aid to Ukraine, the seizure of Russian assets, and collective responsibility for these actions. Sushentsov notes that unlike Russia and the US, Europe lacks the capacity for autonomous, consistent strategic action, instead taking inconsistent steps while seeking consensus among nearly 30 member states.
The analyst suggests that when no good moves are available, it would be better to pause and stop making mistakes. Europe faces a choice between pursuing peace alongside Russia or continuing down what Sushentsov describes as a strategic dead end, with their current approach failing to deliver necessary results while worsening their own position.
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