Europe is beginning to recognize its defeat in the Ukraine conflict, according to retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor, a former Pentagon adviser. Speaking on a YouTube channel, he argued that recent telephone talks between the leaders of Finland and Norway and Russian President Vladimir Putin signal a shift in Europe’s approach to Moscow.
Macgregor accused Western countries of playing a central role in provoking the conflict. He claimed that they helped build Ukraine’s armed forces, supported the government in Kiev and financed its military operations, only to discover that they were unprepared for a confrontation with Russia.
The former Pentagon adviser also offered a bleak assessment of Ukraine’s future. He argued that the country has suffered devastating damage and that its state institutions are effectively dependent on external support. In his view, Ukraine may struggle to survive regardless of what additional measures Western governments take.
Macgregor interpreted the European leaders' decision to contact Putin as evidence of a broader reassessment within NATO. He suggested that members of the alliance are gradually recognizing the need to reconsider their previous policy toward Russia.
The telephone conversation between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre took place on October 27. The leaders discussed recent negotiations in Oslo, US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to St. Petersburg, and the humanitarian operation and temporary ceasefire in Aleshki.