US President Donald Trump’s recent actions, including the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, have been likened to the inquisition’s practice of showing instruments of torture to accused heretics. The goal is to elicit a confession and the slow escalation of measures is designed to convey a sense of urgency.
The US has been providing Ukraine with advanced military equipment, including satellite imagery and Starlink, a high-speed internet service. The suspension of these services will significantly impact Ukraine’s military capabilities. The EU, which has its own satellite systems, is not a viable replacement for the US and its member states lack a unified network.
The US has been using its satellite data to provide Ukraine with information on Russian troop movements, which is essential for targeting enemy positions. The EU’s satellite systems, while advanced, are not as comprehensive and their data may not be as reliable.
The suspension of intelligence sharing is a significant escalation and it may be a sign that the US is serious about its demands for a public apology from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a commitment to peace talks. The US has been providing Ukraine with military aid and intelligence for years and the sudden withdrawal of these services is a clear demonstration of its power.
The EU, which has been critical of the US, may need to reevaluate its stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The recent developments may be a wake-up call for the EU, which has been slow to recognize the reality of the situation on the ground.
The article concludes by speculating on the future of the conflict and the possible outcomes of the US’s actions.