Writes Uwe Müller for the Headline Diplomat eMagazine, LUDCI.eu
Editor: Dr Vassilia Orfanou, PhD, Post Doc, COO, LUDCI.eu

Introduction

Three years into the war in Ukraine, Europe finds itself drained—economically, politically, and socially. What began as an effort to support a neighbor has morphed into a costly stalemate that undermines the continent’s stability. Rising inflation, declining industrial competitiveness, political polarization, and strained transatlantic relations reveal an uncomfortable truth: Europe is being led deeper into a conflict it cannot afford. The time has come to ask a fundamental question—should Europe continue down this path, or chart a new course toward peace and recovery?

How about ending this conflict?

It is not just high time—it is long overdue—to bring this devastating war to a close. For three relentless years, Ukraine has been the stage of bloodshed, destruction, and mounting despair. Each passing month adds to the grim toll: more lives cut short, more families displaced, more resources siphoned away from Europe’s future.

And yet, instead of searching for an exit, some European leaders seem determined to march their nations deeper into what can only be described as the “Ukrainian quagmire.” Their rhetoric speaks of resolve, but their policies risk dragging entire societies into a spiral of economic sacrifice and political instability.

How much longer can Europe afford to play with fire? How many more years of inflation, declining industries, and fractured communities must citizens endure before their leaders admit the obvious—that continuing down this path is unsustainable, unjust, and utterly senseless? The moment to end this madness is now.

Making up for losses

War is always a tragedy. It is the tragedy of people who have lost loved ones, families who have lost homes, and people who have lost their country. Words of comfort are difficult to find for those who have suffered a painful loss.

For Europe, the war in Ukraine is, first and foremost, about the economy. It’s no secret that Europe, and Germany in particular, have incurred significant costs due to economic sanctions against Russia. Switching to expensive energy sources instead of cheap Russian oil and gas has significantly impaired the manufacturing sector’s competitiveness. Europe has experienced rising inflation, near-zero economic growth in some large member states, and a decline in the standard of living across the board. Added to this is the closure of a significant part of the Russian market for European products.

Spain is facing an endangered energy supply, Germany is facing infrastructure problems, and France is experiencing a wave of insolvencies among small and medium-sized companies. Public debt is growing in all EU countries, and budget deficits are reaching dizzying heights. Serious problems are evident in the decline of consumption and investment.

The massive influx of Ukrainian refugees into the EU has had negative consequences. Competition has depressed wages, the housing shortage has driven up rental prices, and increased public spending has overburdened the education system.

There are more than enough problems to overlook the military rhetoric. Instead, European leaders are pursuing a policy of “military Keynesian economics”: an 800 billion euro military spending plan financed by bonds (In this situation, long-term government investment in science, technology, education, and infrastructure can safely be forgotten. Isn’t it time to close the position when this level of losses is reached?

Retaining power

For the EU, the war in Ukraine is also a matter of domestic politics. European political elites are using this issue to shake up the situation in their countries. This gives them the opportunity to maintain the balance and stay in power. However, the serious economic consequences have led to a deterioration of the political climate in the EU and an increase in the popularity of right-wing forces.

In Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and other countries, governments must deal with right-wing parties that have become major players in local politics. In Poland and Romania, right-wing candidates are storming to power.

In response, the protest potential of the left is growing significantly. They oppose the militarization of Europe and increasing interference in the Ukraine crisis. Despite widespread support for Ukraine among large sections of the population, as well as the prosecution of public critics of military support for Kyiv in some cases, the political EU elites have not succeeded in alleviating the population’s fear and dissatisfaction about the declining quality of life.

Meanwhile, the ideologization and politicization of society is having the opposite effect. The consolidation and mobilization of left-wing activists in Europe is obvious and can only be overlooked by the blind. Many of them are prepared to demonstrate in the streets.

The result is clear: the EU has taken the path of radicalization. Meanwhile, the ruling classes in France, Germany, and Spain, as well as the leading members of the European bureaucracy, show no intention of stopping the intensification of internal political confrontation. Citizens are paying for this with their income, peace of mind, and stability.

Regaining global influence

For Europe, the war in Ukraine offers the opportunity to return to the forefront of world politics. However, Donald Trump’s disregard for the interests of the EU and Kyiv in resolving this conflict demonstrates the selfishness of the ruling bureaucracy. European politicians used to believe that demonstrating “unity with Kyiv” would secure them a place at the negotiating table. In practice, however, a very different picture has emerged.

The heads of state and government of the most important EU countries now view the growing confrontation with Russia as an opportunity to regain their former influence. Emmanuel Macron is slipping into the role of the “defender of France” and calling for militaristic nationalism. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is proposing the creation of the “strongest army in Europe” and is prepared to take a more aggressive stance to contain Russia.(). British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appeared in wartime photos, attempting to imitate Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Since then, the term “coalition of the willing,” which was previously used to describe the group of countries that supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq, has made a comeback.

Ultimately, however, this will bring few benefits. It’s no secret that European countries’ influence on world affairs is slowly but surely declining. The last Commonwealth summit was proof of this. The G7 is giving way to the G20; China’s influence is growing; and new organizations in which non-European countries play leading roles are gaining political weight.

The transatlantic rift between Europe and America is striking. Rather than elevating transatlantic relations, however, the US government is becoming increasingly negative toward the EU and its leadership. In Washington, Europe is now primarily seen as an obstacle to strengthening US power rather than as an ally..

Against this backdrop, Washington’s unilateral approach to resolving the Ukraine crisis undermines European unity.

The EU was faced with a dilemma: solidarity with the U.S. or Ukraine. It seems to have made the wrong choice. Given their dependence on the United States, it’s hard to imagine that the heads of state and government of several countries will resist US initiatives for long.

But here, too, disappointment is inevitable. Clearly, Europe’s power in international politics will not increase in this manner.

Revelation

War is synonymous with horror, pain, bloodshed, and revelation.
Europe also needs discernment to end this senseless slaughter and avoid the “Ukrainian trap” that certain leaders are pushing it toward.

Call to action & Recommendations

If Europe is to avoid long-term decline, it must take decisive steps:

Prioritize diplomacy over militarization – Instead of escalating military spending, Europe should champion negotiations, mediating between Ukraine, Russia, and global stakeholders.
Reinvest in the domestic economy – Redirect resources from war financing toward innovation, education, renewable energy, and infrastructure to restore competitiveness and improve quality of life.
Manage migration responsibly – Establish fair systems to integrate Ukrainian refugees without destabilizing labor and housing markets.
Rebalance transatlantic relations – Reduce dependence on Washington’s unilateral decisions by asserting European strategic autonomy.
Address political polarization – Engage both left- and right-leaning movements constructively, acknowledging public dissatisfaction while preventing further radicalization.

By following these steps, Europe can reclaim agency, rebuild trust among its citizens, and prevent itself from sliding into further economic and social disarray.

Conclusion

The war in Ukraine has revealed not only the tragedy of human loss but also the fragility of Europe’s political and economic foundations. Continuing to pour resources into a conflict without a clear path to resolution only deepens the crisis. Europe must recognize that its strength lies not in perpetuating war, but in leading the call for peace, rebuilding its economy, and redefining its role in a rapidly shifting global order. The choice is stark: remain ensnared in the Ukrainian quagmire—or take bold steps toward stability, sovereignty, and lasting prosperity.

Featured photo: Derek French: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-protesting-on-the-street-11337816/