Donald Trump’s new Ukraine strategy—arming Kyiv while demanding Europe fund it—is drawing sharp debate. But according to former British Army Colonel Richard Kemp, it’s exactly the right move.
Writing in The Telegraph, Kemp says Trump has “correctly adjusted his policy” in response to Vladimir Putin’s refusal to negotiate. His critics, particularly in Europe, “would be more convincing if they had their own realistic proposals, but they do not,” Kemp argues.
“Put their money where their mouth is”
At the heart of Trump’s plan is a demand: the US will send weapons, but Europe must pay.
Kemp calls this “sheer genius, at least as a concept,” adding that it “forces the EU countries and Britain to put their money where their mouth is.”
The move also taps into American frustration over continued US funding of the war. “It ought to play well to American voters,” Kemp writes.
Patriots and priorities
Trump’s plan includes sending Patriot missile systems to shield Ukrainian cities from increased Russian attacks. These may come from US stockpiles or NATO reserves.
But Germany is hesitating. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said delivery could take months—a delay Kemp sees as telling.
“Despite the continent’s supposed insistence that it is prepared to do whatever it takes to help Ukraine win,” Kemp writes, Europe is still slow to act.
Zelenskyy to Trump: “Give us the tools”
In a recent call, Trump reportedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy whether Ukraine could hit Moscow and St. Petersburg. Kemp likens Zelensky’s response to Churchill: “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”
Kemp stresses that while air defenses are important, long-range weapons and the freedom to use them would have a far greater effect on Putin.
“Smouldering military bases… might well” force a rethink in Moscow, he argues.
Targeting Russia’s economy
Trump has also proposed secondary tariffs on countries doing business with Russia. Kemp believes this economic pressure could be effective, but says EU leaders are reluctant.
When EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called Trump’s 50-day peace deadline “very long,” Kemp responded bluntly:
“Perhaps Kallas… should immediately impose EU secondary tariffs, rather than shouting criticism from the sidelines?”
“A chance of success” – if Europe steps up
Kemp concludes that Trump’s new strategy has “a chance of success”, but only if Europe gets serious. Otherwise, he warns, it will remain a US-led effort.
“Do they really want to help Ukraine win its war, or do they just want America to do it for them?”