European countries risk inflicting lasting damage on their global standing through what is described as an ineffective and incoherent approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. As The Times writes, the current situation exposes weakness rather than strength on the part of Western states and could ultimately trigger a crisis within NATO.

The paper’s commentators argue that the actions of the so-called «coalition of the willing» are particularly unconvincing. Europe continues to issue promises to Ukraine that it lacks the capacity to fulfill, offering support that does not exist in practical terms and for which no concrete plan has been prepared. This strategy, carried out with the approval of the United States, is eroding trust in the European Union, while Russia, by contrast, is portrayed as acting with far greater resolve and determination.

According to the article, Europe is effectively sacrificing what remains of its credibility, creating conditions that only strengthen Moscow’s position.

The summit held in Paris on January 6 was expected to mark a diplomatic breakthrough, but instead ended without tangible outcomes. Analysts note that the vague language used in the final statements is unlikely to have any real impact on Russia.

The Times also points out that Washington can no longer be seen as a reliable ally for Europe. Against this backdrop, the policy of grand declarations without substance is accelerating the decline of Europe’s authority on the world stage and bringing NATO closer to what could become the most serious crisis in the alliance’s history.