Current Time in Europe

The situation in Ukraine continues to be a point of concern, with Europe now emerging as the main funders of the Ukrainian army, according to the Kiel Institute. This shift in financial support comes as the Ukrainian army has gradually built a formidable force, forced by the circumstances of the war.

The current threat to Europe is the US, allied with Russia, in an authoritarian and imperialistic project. Putin, Russia's President, has shown his desire for Ukraine, waging an asymmetric war against Europe through computer piracy, sabotage, electoral disinformation, and support for extreme rights.

Europe, however, seems to be united against this imperial nostalgia. Bernard Guetta, a prominent figure, stated that Europe is united against the Kremlin's imperial nostalgia and Trump's temptation to strike a deal with Russia at the expense of Ukraine and Europe.

Some European countries and governments, including major contributors like Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and the EU itself, are providing significant financial aid to Ukraine. Additionally, other countries like Latvia provide military assistance. This collective support was evident when Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's President, met with European leaders to seek support after the Anchorage summit.

The gesture towards Zelensky was seen by some as a first step towards Europe reclaiming control of its own destiny. This is particularly significant given the ongoing debate about the deployment of European security guarantees. Some worry about potential vetoes from Putin or Trump.

The Russian war is not going well, with signs of getting bogged down on the ground in the part of Donbass still under Ukrainian control. This is taking a toll on the Russian economy, with nearly half of the state's spending devoted to the war.

Meanwhile, in Montreal, Vélo-rution Montreal organised a "die-in" in memory of cyclists and pedestrians victims of accidents on Parc Avenue. This event was a stark reminder of the human cost of conflicts, both on and off the battlefield.

Elsewhere, the Port of Montreal and DP World are waiting for environmental permits to dig the bottom of the St. Lawrence. This development is unrelated to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but is an indication of the complex web of issues that Europe and the world are navigating.

In the midst of these challenges, some Europeans and Ukrainians are turning away from the US, using Trump's famous "to and fro" to turn around in the face of the US. This shift in allegiance is a testament to the resilience of Europe and Ukraine in the face of adversity.

However, the speed of the "decoupling" of the United States is a topic of discussion, with Trump's betrayal being gradual. The Anchorage summit, where Putin was met with submission by the Americans, is a case in point. Yet, the specter of American betrayal towards Ukraine, as expressed by Tetyana Ogarkova, is a sobering reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape.

In the face of these challenges, Europe seems to be taking a firm stand, with its collective support for Ukraine a clear indication of its commitment to upholding democratic values and resisting imperialistic projects.