Do you honestly think the EU can stand alone against the super powers? With what? A lot of European munitions come from one of them. Sure, maybe the EU could throw all it’s chips in to the war effort and may squeak out a victory but they would have to dedicate around 80% of their income to it. We’re talking taking a World War 3 stance of preparedness. And be willing to go bankrupt in the process. If that happens the only result is Russia comes in an sells the EU for parts.
I think you’re both right as your stated opinions views are not diametrically opposed. I suspect the original commenter was not commenting to an utopian dream of a just peace, here. Their comment seems to be addressing realpolitik. The super power in the region and the current hegemonic super power in the world are aligned… and so is the new world super power, China when it comes to it. With that background, both Europe and Ukraine will loose and will have to accept what’s given to them.
What can they do? They’re wiped out, democratically at least until the mid terms. Considering the speed of events, the mid term is too late.
I’m not just factoring in Russia, here. If it was just Russia here you’d have a point. Russia has allies. The Trump Whitehouse and it seems that China is soft on Russia too. If push comes to shove, I really can’t guarantee that either of them would fall in line behind the EU. Add to that the authoritarian Narendra Modi’s India I really don’t think the EU would stand a chance…
Although, on the flip side, the EU may have allies themselves in Australia and Canada, and perhaps the UK plus the Scandinavian countries. But, even then…
I guess it also comes down to how much the different factions want the fight.