Act now to restore our credibility

FOUR days into the unfolding conflict in Ukraine, we are seeing the devastating and stark reality of a war fought in Europe.

With Russian forces seemingly bogged down in the outskirts of Kyiv, the Ukrainian people united in resistance, and growing support from neighbouring countries, the conflict now looks to be entering a new and uncertain phase.

This tragic and unnecessary war is different from any other we have seen in recent decades. This is not a settling of old scores between ethnic or religious groups, an attempt to secure resources or power, or an arguably cynical conflict to bring order to a failed state.

This is a struggle, on the part of a fading world power, to regain

“lost” territory and re-establish its position as a major player in a now multi-polar world.

The personality of Vladimir

Putin adds significant risk and unpredictability to the course that the conflict may take.

The fault lines across Western political, economic and military structures have been cruelly exposed in a few days of gritty conflict. To restore some kind of international credibility for NATO and the EU, hard thinking – and action – is needed.