Europe cannot replace US in three critical areas for Ukraine, The Economist says

Europe cannot replace the US in three critical areas for Ukraine, according to The Economist. European countries are unable to compensate for the loss of American military and intelligence assistance. The article states that European allies without the US cannot provide Kyiv with the necessary support. These gaps include early warning systems for ballistic missile launches, Patriot air defense systems for interception, and the Starlink satellite internet network. European budgets are strained by debt, rising bond yields, and high energy prices, complicating additional aid. The Economist notes that a Republican defeat in the US midterm elections could allow Ukraine supporters to act more decisively. However, if Trump faces domestic difficulties, he may intensify attacks on perceived foreign opponents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's sharp criticism of Trump risks a final rupture in relations, potentially weakening Ukraine's position on the battlefield.