90 billion euros for Ukraine: why this aid came as a surprise to the Kremlin.

According to ТСН: The provision of 90 billion euros to Ukraine came as a surprise to Putin, as it indicates that the war will drag on, and its end remains uncertain. The Kremlin is trying to scare Europeans into doubting their support for Ukraine.

Changes in perceptions of security

Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov believes that after 2025, the sense of security in Europe will change significantly. Confidence in the United States' willingness to defend the European continent is no longer as unquestionable as it was before.

"Europeans still remember and hope that they are part of a bloc that includes the USA. But confidence that the United States will be ready to defend Europe in the event of a Russian strike is not as high as it was before 2025," Portnikov noted.

Uncertainty in collective defense

Portnikov also emphasized that doubts about the readiness for collective defense are increasingly emerging in European societies. People are starting to ask questions about whether the United States will be ready to respond to Russian strikes.

"Therefore, of course, everyone can ask themselves the question: 'If there is a Russian strike, will the Americans respond, are we ready to respond?'. The Russians are actively exploiting this," Portnikov stressed.

The war and its consequences

The journalist reminded that he had previously spoken about the risk of escalation of the war, and current events confirm these forecasts. Putin is interested in ending the war quickly through Ukraine's collapse, but as long as Europe continues to help Kyiv, the Kremlin has no opportunities for this.

"The allocated 90 billion euros for Ukraine, which are supposed to help us survive the next two years of this war, is an unpleasant surprise for Putin," he emphasized.

This means that the Kremlin will have to fight for at least another two years without a clear understanding of the outcome.

"Because he understands that he will have to fight for at least two years with an unclear ending," the journalist noted.

Portnikov believes that Putin's main strategy lies in intimidation.

"He needs Europeans to be scared, Ukrainians to freeze, Europe to stop helping Ukraine, so that the question of Ukraine's capitulation arises not only among us but also in European capitals. Scaring Europeans is the best scenario for Putin," he summed up.

Earlier, it was reported that Acting Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger believes that direct negotiations between Europeans and the Russian government are currently pointless.

In addition, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strike by 'Oreshnik' on Lviv region demonstrates how Russian dictator Putin threatens European countries.

Thus, the situation in Europe continues to remain tense due to the developments in Ukraine. Support from international partners, including financial assistance, plays an important role in ensuring security on the continent. Despite the challenges, Europe continues to stand by Ukraine, confirming the relevance of security and defense issues.