There has been a divide between the Germanic and the Latin European world since Roman times, the divide being - money.
The Germanic world is simply better at making money, as well as moaning about coughing it up. But once they decide it's necessary expenditure, they simply start writing checks.
And, oh yeah, fuck Spain. Ten times over.
But also, trust me, the next time - which will be not be in the distant future - Spain comes running to Brussels for money they'll be politely told to go fuck themselves.
I wouldn't be surprised if Merz makes sure that not a dime of the European Military Investment fund goes to Spain, and also that no military equipment is bought from Spain by Germany. Germany will make it themselves, and crush the Spanish military industry - if there is such a thing...
Yes, fuck Spain on this. It is likely that they will come running to Brussels for money, but be aware that Spain isn’t doing so bad economically these days. But this will not be forgotten. Still Spain doesn’t block EU like Orban tries. Eu needs some rules to ensure that dickheads leading one country can block the whole Union.
Great news Shankar, but playing devils advocate, are you sure France is refusing because of a tight budget and the thought of humiliation? Could they be hedging since Trump is about to level 30% tariffs across the board for the EU, which could cripple their economy.
Additionally, it could galvanize Russia to attack deeper inside Ukraine during this 50 day grace period before Trump decides whether to actually punish Russia, instead of threatening, and in the end, backing down?
And from what I understand, Italy has allocated approximately $1.5 billion for Ukraine this year; not a pittance for a country with a GDP of approximately $2.3 trillion.
And from what understand, Italy is specifically contributing a medium-long range air defense and anti-missile system called SAMP/T. And France is also contributing billions in weapons systems and fighter jets.
It’s a lot more than that. There were multiple reasons why I said they would resist in the first place, but I forgot the embarrassment angle.
For national security reasons, France will never support any purchase outside of Europe. That’s their thinking—not mine. I believe this “line in the sand” rhetoric is just an excuse for stupidity. But to be fair, their stupidity has served them in the past, so they stick with it.
They won’t fix the problems with SAMP/T, yet they also won’t help facilitate a Patriot purchase. And yes—when you have your own systems but go out and buy an American one, it’s basically admitting your own equipment is faulty. I still don’t know exactly what the issue is—it could very well be a massive production problem. But if it’s been three years and you haven’t fixed it, that’s on you. Don’t expect others to pay the price for a problem you couldn’t resolve.
They don’t have the money. The defense budget hike Macron announced is cleverly pushed out to 2027.
They don’t want to be seen as weak when the announcement finally comes. So, posturing is the easier option.
Thank you, let’s just hope the European’s start acting as one. It would be a shame for Ukrainian’s to have to suffer any further due to bureaucratic red tape, and hubris…:)
I get so angry with the EU and Britain—excluding Germany. The fight for their future is on now. If they don’t block Putin permanently now they will pay a hellish price in all senses later.
You noted that the personal relationships between these leaders have real world effects on policies and how quickly things get done, or don’t get done at all. There is a long history of wars occurring as a result of wounded, individual, egos. It’s shocking in fact how much death and suffering has been wrought through the centuries due to grudges between leaders.
The good news is that Trump didn’t even try—and neither did Merz. They pretty much hated each other from the start, especially after Merz opened his administration by saying, “Let’s see if the U.S. is even in NATO by June.” So they were both gearing up to dislike each other.
Then Iran happened.
And Merz, being Merz, didn’t care about the past—he just focused on the pros and cons of the situation. He believed the U.S. was doing the right thing, and he said so. From Trump’s perspective, that was unsolicited support—and it gave him a lot of political cover at a moment when the whole world was panicking about Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz. Merz blunted that panic.
Not that he was trying to—but Trump noticed.
From there, things just moved in a very different direction.
They have six batteries. A huge number of jets. They wont send aid. But they will let their shipping barons make all the money they can by shipping Russian oil around the world. I am sick of the greece goverment.
In the UK I don't think anything has shifted adversely against Ukraine. Starmer is a barrister used to getting on with things without fuss but the media is obsessing about his other political troubles. He is well able to do both but, in politics a day can be a long time facing challenges.
What about the Ukrainian anti-drone. Domestic?Ukraine is deploying tens of thousands of low-cost interceptor drones, forming a defensive network—referred to as an "urban anti-drone dome"—particularly over Kyiv and other targeted areas.
And Portugal? I’m curious about Belgium- I’s expect Brussels to cough up a bit but maybe they have divided loyalties? And Austria? We hear only about the big movers and not why the others hide in the shadows.
Portugal sits very close to zero. From day 1. But their economy is small and they barely have a military. I dont blame them. But Spain and Greece are not the same. Niether is Belgium. They have the money and they take a ton from the EU but will gladly screw the EU if need be. Self-Serving governments.
These aren’t systems coming off the production line. They’re systems being pulled from existing stockpiles, with replacement orders planned to backfill them—that’s the strategy. Interceptors will remain a challenge, but let them cross the replacement bridge first; we can deal with the interceptor issue afterward.
Right now, they need to place the order to lock in the directional momentum set by Trump. Every hour of delay—every day, every week—they're leaving the door open for sabotage. And there’s a large group in the U.S. actively working toward that.
Just in: United States told Switzerland that they need to wait for taking delivery of their 5 Patriot batteries.
Units to be routed to NATO then to Ukraine.
There has been a divide between the Germanic and the Latin European world since Roman times, the divide being - money.
The Germanic world is simply better at making money, as well as moaning about coughing it up. But once they decide it's necessary expenditure, they simply start writing checks.
And, oh yeah, fuck Spain. Ten times over.
But also, trust me, the next time - which will be not be in the distant future - Spain comes running to Brussels for money they'll be politely told to go fuck themselves.
I wouldn't be surprised if Merz makes sure that not a dime of the European Military Investment fund goes to Spain, and also that no military equipment is bought from Spain by Germany. Germany will make it themselves, and crush the Spanish military industry - if there is such a thing...
Not going to forget what they did and not going to let it slide.
Yes, fuck Spain on this. It is likely that they will come running to Brussels for money, but be aware that Spain isn’t doing so bad economically these days. But this will not be forgotten. Still Spain doesn’t block EU like Orban tries. Eu needs some rules to ensure that dickheads leading one country can block the whole Union.
Great news Shankar, but playing devils advocate, are you sure France is refusing because of a tight budget and the thought of humiliation? Could they be hedging since Trump is about to level 30% tariffs across the board for the EU, which could cripple their economy.
Additionally, it could galvanize Russia to attack deeper inside Ukraine during this 50 day grace period before Trump decides whether to actually punish Russia, instead of threatening, and in the end, backing down?
And from what I understand, Italy has allocated approximately $1.5 billion for Ukraine this year; not a pittance for a country with a GDP of approximately $2.3 trillion.
And from what understand, Italy is specifically contributing a medium-long range air defense and anti-missile system called SAMP/T. And France is also contributing billions in weapons systems and fighter jets.
It’s a lot more than that. There were multiple reasons why I said they would resist in the first place, but I forgot the embarrassment angle.
For national security reasons, France will never support any purchase outside of Europe. That’s their thinking—not mine. I believe this “line in the sand” rhetoric is just an excuse for stupidity. But to be fair, their stupidity has served them in the past, so they stick with it.
They won’t fix the problems with SAMP/T, yet they also won’t help facilitate a Patriot purchase. And yes—when you have your own systems but go out and buy an American one, it’s basically admitting your own equipment is faulty. I still don’t know exactly what the issue is—it could very well be a massive production problem. But if it’s been three years and you haven’t fixed it, that’s on you. Don’t expect others to pay the price for a problem you couldn’t resolve.
They don’t have the money. The defense budget hike Macron announced is cleverly pushed out to 2027.
They don’t want to be seen as weak when the announcement finally comes. So, posturing is the easier option.
Thank you, let’s just hope the European’s start acting as one. It would be a shame for Ukrainian’s to have to suffer any further due to bureaucratic red tape, and hubris…:)
One word of correction - Italy's GDP is $2.3 trillion ;)
Still, 1.5 billion aint nothing, especially because we all feared Italy would be lost to us when right wing Meloni won the last election...
Fair enough and thanks for the correction. I should have checked in advance….:)
I get so angry with the EU and Britain—excluding Germany. The fight for their future is on now. If they don’t block Putin permanently now they will pay a hellish price in all senses later.
You noted that the personal relationships between these leaders have real world effects on policies and how quickly things get done, or don’t get done at all. There is a long history of wars occurring as a result of wounded, individual, egos. It’s shocking in fact how much death and suffering has been wrought through the centuries due to grudges between leaders.
The good news is that Trump didn’t even try—and neither did Merz. They pretty much hated each other from the start, especially after Merz opened his administration by saying, “Let’s see if the U.S. is even in NATO by June.” So they were both gearing up to dislike each other.
Then Iran happened.
And Merz, being Merz, didn’t care about the past—he just focused on the pros and cons of the situation. He believed the U.S. was doing the right thing, and he said so. From Trump’s perspective, that was unsolicited support—and it gave him a lot of political cover at a moment when the whole world was panicking about Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz. Merz blunted that panic.
Not that he was trying to—but Trump noticed.
From there, things just moved in a very different direction.
So interesting and of such great import.
Germany has been fantastic.
yep
Greece has much to answer for in all this…
They have six batteries. A huge number of jets. They wont send aid. But they will let their shipping barons make all the money they can by shipping Russian oil around the world. I am sick of the greece goverment.
In the UK I don't think anything has shifted adversely against Ukraine. Starmer is a barrister used to getting on with things without fuss but the media is obsessing about his other political troubles. He is well able to do both but, in politics a day can be a long time facing challenges.
It is odd. Thx.
unfortunatly the uk is broke, starmer has to watch where the pennys go never mind millions
What about the Ukrainian anti-drone. Domestic?Ukraine is deploying tens of thousands of low-cost interceptor drones, forming a defensive network—referred to as an "urban anti-drone dome"—particularly over Kyiv and other targeted areas.
Keir Starmer’s had a rebellion to deal with
And Portugal? I’m curious about Belgium- I’s expect Brussels to cough up a bit but maybe they have divided loyalties? And Austria? We hear only about the big movers and not why the others hide in the shadows.
Portugal sits very close to zero. From day 1. But their economy is small and they barely have a military. I dont blame them. But Spain and Greece are not the same. Niether is Belgium. They have the money and they take a ton from the EU but will gladly screw the EU if need be. Self-Serving governments.
Austria has a large pro-Russian lobby - I wouldn’t look for any help for Ukraine from that quarter.
All to the good. The big question is: When? Also, how many missiles and reloads available? It takes nearly two years to produce a Patriot.
These aren’t systems coming off the production line. They’re systems being pulled from existing stockpiles, with replacement orders planned to backfill them—that’s the strategy. Interceptors will remain a challenge, but let them cross the replacement bridge first; we can deal with the interceptor issue afterward.
Right now, they need to place the order to lock in the directional momentum set by Trump. Every hour of delay—every day, every week—they're leaving the door open for sabotage. And there’s a large group in the U.S. actively working toward that.