Europe’s Quiet Reckoning Over Post‑Soviet Peace

The U. S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, told a Washington broadcast that Europe’s relaxed stance after the Soviet collapse is now at odds with the reality of war in Ukraine. He said European leaders are not worried about U. S. support, but rather the growing danger on their own continent as the conflict enters its fifth year. During talks in Munich with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Whitaker highlighted that the United States is not pulling back. Instead, it is pouring money into defense because the world feels more threatening than in recent years. He urged European allies to keep pace, not just with words but by building real military capabilities.Whitaker pointed out that many European governments are still rethinking how to rearm after decades of slower growth and the assumption that peace would last forever. He argued that the U. S. avoided taking a “peace dividend” and kept investing in its defense industry, giving it an edge as Europe now scrambles to rebuild. The ambassador described the Munich discussions as practical, focused on timelines and joint production plans rather than blame. He stressed that strengthening the alliance depends on all members stepping up together. His message suggests a shift: Europe must move from complacency to concrete action, matching the U. S. commitment if NATO is to remain credible in a tougher security environment.