When it comes to shaping history, it's the results that matter | Jonatan Vseviov | TEDxTallinn

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Russia's War Against Ukraine

Russia's large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has lasted for two years, with an uncertain outcome.
Ukraine is fighting for its existence as a state and a nation, while Russia sees it as an integral part of itself and its vision of a unique civilization with global ambitions.
Russia's goals extend beyond Ukraine, aiming to reshape the European security order to its advantage.

The European model of democracy and prosperity poses a threat to the Putin regime, motivating people in Russia to aspire for a similar future.
Europe is already existentially involved in the war, as its interests clash with Russia's.
Wars are contests of wills, and they end when one side can no longer sustain its course.
The current plateau in the war will likely end in a collapse, with one side reaching the end of its resources first.
Allowing territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international rules to be disregarded will have serious consequences for Europe and the world.

Europe should unite to support Ukraine and push Russia to change its course.
Russia's strategy is unsustainable, and the West should convince Moscow to change course.
Democracies have an advantage over autocracies in the long term, and Europe should prove this by supporting Ukraine.
Confiscating Russia's frozen assets and taking the aggressor to international courts would send a lasting message and demonstrate Europe's staying power.
Accelerating Ukraine's path towards NATO and the European Union would secure Ukraine and stabilize Europe.

Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric aims to paralyze Europe with fear and buy time, but Europe should not be deterred.
Russia is already on the attack and trying to push Europe from its homes, and the time to deal with it is now.
A defeated and potentially destabilized Russia would be scarier than a victorious Russia.
Russia has not changed its goals in this war, and any compromise would be a trap meant to unravel Europe's unity.
Europe should learn from its own history and realize that sometimes things are as black and white as they seem.