Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin (on the right), and Franklin D. Roosevelt (in the middle) met in 1943 and 1945.
YÜKSEL DURGUT | COMMENTARY
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill delivered a historic speech in Missouri: “From the Baltic to the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended.”
These words were a call to unite the US and Europe against the Soviet threat. Yet now, Churchill’s legacy is being questioned. The war in Ukraine, the future of NATO, and the US’s retreat into isolation are showing that a deepening crack is growing across the Atlantic.
In 1946, Churchill saw leaning on the US as a “necessity.” Today, Europe can stand on its own with its economic and technological power. Germany’s increase in military spending, France’s nuclear deterrence, Poland’s modernization of its army… All of these are reviving the idea of a “European Defense Union.” The US’s indifference to Ukraine may further solidify this union.
At the end of the Cold War, NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe was celebrated as a victory for the West. However, some have interpreted this move as a “geopolitical mistake” or “a trap to corner Russia.”
The promise made to Gorbachev in 1990 that “NATO will not expand eastward” was forgotten. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its intervention in Ukraine are the results of this security crisis. Europe is now paying the price of NATO’s expansion fervor with the fire on its borders.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to the US brought the contradictions within the alliance to the surface. While Europe spoke of “unconditional solidarity” in military support for Kyiv, Republican senators treated Zelensky’s request for funds as begging. Yet, for Europe, Ukraine is no different than Poland in 1939. The possibility of Russian tanks reaching Warsaw or Berlin is unsettling the continent. Trump’s remark, “This war is a European issue!” is proof of the US’s changing priorities.
KISSINGER’S WARNING
Henry Kissinger once said, “American hostility can be dangerous for a country, but American friendship is far more dangerous.” He was referring to Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. America’s promises of “democracy” led to the collapse of states in these countries. The flow of arms to Ukraine could lead to a similar scenario.
The Trump administration declared Europe “weak, ineffective, and in collapse,” saying, “Pay for the security guarantee!” However, an important detail was overlooked. The US’s presence in Europe also serves its own geostrategic interests.
For years, Europe has cut back on defense spending in the name of “saving.” As a result, it has fallen into a position of military dwarfism. Now, Trump is negotiating Ukraine’s fate with Russia at the table alone. He even attempted to silence Kyiv by calling it “dictator-like.” Europe, meanwhile, is playing the role of “an uninvited wedding guest.”
However, Europe has outpaced the US in financial support to Ukraine. The continent’s economic turmoil caused by the break with Russian energy is being ignored by many. While the US seeks to weaken Russia, Europe is trying to extinguish the flames of war on its borders. France’s statement about “possibly sending troops” is a sign of the panic on the continent.
Europe must definitely step out from under Washington’s shadow. The solution lies in granting Ukraine a status of neutrality and decisively rebuilding diplomatic bridges with Russia.
We should also not overlook what happened in Finland. During the Cold War, Helsinki maintained its independence while trading with the Soviets; today, it could be a model for Europe. The US, through its military-industrial interests, is indirectly dragging Europe into war.
LIFTING THE IRON CURTAIN
Sanctions on Russian gas have plunged Europe into an economic winter. In Germany, industrial production has dropped by 12%, and in Italy, energy bills have doubled. Meanwhile, China and India are buying Russian oil cheaply and reselling it to Europe for profit. This paradox shows how Europe is torn between moral stance and economic interests. It’s as if Europe is punishing its own people at Washington’s dictate.
Churchill’s “IRON CURTAIN” was once lowered to protect Europe. Now, this curtain has turned into a veil that blinds the continent. Instead of being condemned to the shifting politics of the US, it is time for Europe to build its own geopolitical will. Dialogue with Russia, trade with China, and cooperation with Africa…
History will not remember Churchill’s legacy but the bold steps taken by Europe. Perhaps the real iron curtain will be torn down by Europe’s desire for independence…
