On September 30, at the Center for Public Analytics "Vezha," Valeriy Klochok and Ilya Neschodovsky, head of the Ans network's analytical direction, discussed evolving Western approaches to the war in Ukraine.
Klochok noted the program's focus is not only on politics but also on the economic and financial aspects of security. He cited former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, now Norway's finance minister, who remarked on increasing defense allocations at the expense of education and healthcare, reflecting Europe's readiness for the threat of war.
Neschodovsky expressed skepticism toward politicians due to their inconsistency in statements and actions, citing frequent shifts in Donald Trump's rhetoric as well as real sanctions against Russia often being less strict than public pronouncements.
Recent Russian violations of EU airspace, drone use, and escalating tension were discussed. The experts highlighted that the war is now seen as a wider European risk rather than just a local conflict in Ukraine. The West is increasingly aware that Ukraine's defeat would allow Russia to strengthen its attack capabilities and military industry.
Neschodovsky noted that war is evolving, with drones and innovative weaponry lowering costs for the aggressor and creating new threats to European infrastructure. Western politicians are beginning to act more firmly, detaining ships suspected of involvement in drone attacks. However, overall actions remain insufficiently strict.
The experts concluded that the West needs to more actively protect its own security and reform military-economic strategies. Ukraine and its allies face new challenges, requiring resolve and coordinated action.
