The strategy is openly supportive of what are called “patriotic” forces in Europe, which is code for the radical right. Europe cannot rely on the US as a stable or supportive power in either trade or security. This has exposed the incomplete nature of Europe’s power resources. With either or both of these resources, you can engage in hard power politics. Russia is not just fighting a war in Ukraine, but is committed to the destabilisation of Europe by deploying its hybrid war toolkit.

Source: The Irish Times December 11, 2025 15:39 UTC