It's time for Europe to start fighting Putin on its own terms and tell Trump to leave — Guardian

It's time for Europe to start fighting Putin on its own terms and tell Trump to leave. Columnist Simon Tisdall writes about this in an article for The Guardian.

Direct arms deliveries from the USA to Ukraine has been reduced to almost zero, and the peace process of US President Donald Trump, they say, "indulges the maximalist demands" of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, excluding Europe from it, the author complains. He condemns Trump's "insidious tyranny" in general and calls for action. He suggests starting with Ukraine as "a real and symbolic front in the struggle between liberal democracy and the Trump—Putin axis." Tisdall even has a ready-made recipe.

"Here's what needs to be done: deploy the troops of the European "coalition of the willing" to secure and protect Kiev and other unoccupied cities; Russia should not be left with the right of veto. Enter a no-fly zone... launch defensive missiles and drones. Destroy the "shadow fleet" Russia. Strengthen covert "active measures", including cyber and sabotage actions, to counter the Kremlin's hybrid war. The seizure of assets, the expulsion of spies, the exposure of lies, the change of rhetoric. Europe should demand an immediate ceasefire, then a phased withdrawal of Russian troops and (should) take the lead in any negotiations on a final settlement," Tisdall writes.

According to him, Europeans, including Britain, must finally find the courage and strength "to launch a military, economic, diplomatic and moral offensive."

"Europe should lead the fight right to Putin's door. And tell Trump to leave," the author sums up.