So far in the case of Ukraine, the Europeans, at first slow out of the starting blocks in early 2022, now realize what Russia’s war in Ukraine means for the region and for Europe. A defeat for Ukraine would amount to Russia exporting instability to Eastern Europe. The way in which the Ukrainians have responded to the Russian aggression has shown to its eastern and western neighbors that freedom and sovereignty can—and must—be defended.

This is why the unclear situation in Russia should be a chance for the EU to double down on Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Doubling down on Ukraine shouldn’t be difficult. The Europeans and the United States but also Japan and Canada are committed politically and financially to Ukraine. The amount of aid, loans, and reconstruction packages is enormous. This is about guaranteeing Ukraine’s recovery now and when the war is over.

What are also needed are security guarantees which NATO allies still have to agree upon at the upcoming summit in Vilnius. There is no going back to the status quo ante: Russia has lost Ukraine. Russia has failed to divide the Europeans and break the transatlantic relationship.

For all that, the Europeans have to focus on how to deal with the Russia of today and the future. Schadenfreude, if it does exist over what happened on June 24-25, is not a substitute for strategy, especially given Russia’s nuclear status.

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