⚠️ Did Europe reject the best peace deal it was ever going to get?Steve Jermy warns that Europe’s refusal of better terms earlier has left it facing weaker leverage, shrinking resources, and a bill its taxpayers will ultimately pay.
Retired UK Commodore Steve Jermy argues that Europe passed up opportunities for a more favorable settlement in Ukraine and is now confronting the consequences. Referring to the abandoned Istanbul negotiations, he says many European leaders today would gladly accept terms they once rejected, warning that when a stronger party holds the advantage, delaying an agreement usually leads to worse outcomes later. As Jermy puts it, “Europeans I’m sure would bite off Putin’s hand for the Istanbul terms now.” He argues that Ukraine and Europe had opportunities to negotiate from a stronger position but chose not to, while the military and diplomatic balance continued to shift against them. Beyond the battlefield, Jermy says Europe faces a growing economic problem. With energy pressures mounting, France struggling, and Germany potentially entering recession, he believes the key question is no longer about military aid but financial sustainability: “Where is the money going to come from?” He also warns that much of the money being sent to Ukraine is unlikely ever to be repaid. If Ukraine’s economy cannot recover sufficiently to service its debts, future European taxpayers may ultimately bear the burden, forcing governments to justify why resources were directed toward war rather than healthcare, energy infrastructure, or domestic economic priorities. The central takeaway is straightforward: Europe may soon face a reckoning between geopolitical ambitions and economic reality, and the public will eventually be asked to pay the bill. You're currently a free subscriber to Daniel Davis Deep Dive. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. © 2026 Daniel L. Davis |