European strategic autonomy: Why Europe and the UK Must Prepare to Face Russia Without the United States

Ukraine Before invasion, Ukraine After Invasion

In the shadow of escalating global instability and shifting alliances, Europe and the United Kingdom stand at a crossroads. For decades, NATO's strength has relied on the United States acting as a security guarantor, the ultimate backstop against Russian aggression. But that pillar is no longer reliable. The time has come for Europe and the UK to not only prepare to defend themselves independently, but to take the fight to Russia if necessary, without relying on the United States.

The American Security Risk

The United States, once the bedrock of Western security, is rapidly becoming a liability. Under Donald Trump’s administration, the US has shown open hostility toward NATO, flirted & acted with authoritarian regimes, and demonstrated clear sympathies toward Moscow.

In 2023, Trump openly boasted about encouraging Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries that don’t spend enough on defense today he has demonstrated that as Russia uses hybrid warfare again the west. That wasn’t just a soundbite, it was a warning, a warning the West did not heed. The same administration also shut down intelligence-sharing mechanisms with Ukraine, cutting off access to vital satellite imagery and digital warfare data which rendered many of the donated American systems Ukraine relied upon all but useless.

These actions reveal a truth we can no longer ignore: America's political volatility is a security risk. it’s clear that Europe's reliance on US military support and intelligence is no longer a viable strategy.

Europe’s Strength: An Untapped Powerhouse to European strategic autonomy

Contrary to outdated assumptions, Europe and the UK are far from helpless. Collectively, Europe and the UK boast a combined GDP of over $21 trillion, nearly ten times that of Russia. The region’s industrial base, technological capabilities, and human capital far outclass Russia’s increasingly isolated and resource-dependent economy.

Europe fields over 1.7 million active military personnel, advanced fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon, and modern armor including the Leopard 2A7 and Challenger 3. Both France and the UK maintain independent nuclear deterrents, ensuring that Europe is not left defenseless in the strategic domain.

The issue isn’t ability, it’s political will and strategic coordination.

Why Europe Must Go On the Offensive

Put simply: the longer Russia is allowed to destabilize Eastern Europe, the more emboldened it becomes. The invasion of Ukraine was not a final objective, but a testing ground, a probe of Western resolve. A fragmented Europe or a pacified NATO gives Moscow a window to expand its influence through hybrid warfare, energy blackmail, and outright military threats.

Relying on a volatile United States, one that might withdraw from NATO, share intelligence with adversaries, or sabotage its own allies — is a risk no serious European strategist should accept. Instead, Europe must lead.

Here’s what that leadership looks like:

• Independent joint command structures for European forces.

• A unified defense-industrial strategy to ramp up production of artillery, drones, air defense systems, and electronic warfare tech.

• A forward-leaning military doctrine capable of not just deterring Russia, but striking back decisively if provoked.

• Full support for frontline democracies, including Ukraine, with no artificial limits imposed by Washington’s political dysfunction.

This is not a call for reckless war, but a call for strategic autonomy. Europe must have the capacity and courage to act decisively without waiting for Washington’s permission.

A Post-American NATO?

The alliance need not be abandoned,but it must be re-imagined. If America cannot be trusted to uphold its end of the treaty, if it is willing to share intelligence with adversaries, abandon allies under fire, and embolden Russia, then NATO must evolve into a European-led force, not an American-controlled one.

A Euro-Atlantic divorce may sound unthinkable, but the alternative is worse: sleepwalking into irrelevance while enemies exploit the cracks.

Final Thoughts

Europe and the UK have the economic muscle, the technological edge, and the moral imperative to confront Russian aggression head-on, and to do so independently of a politically unstable United States. The dream of transatlantic unity is noble, but dreams don’t win wars.

It is time for Europe to wake up, stand up, and lead.

It's time to head to war.