---
title: "Europe changes strategy: from a peace project to an armed alliance"
description: "Leaders of Estonia and Latvia have declared a paradigm shift: Europe is transforming from a peace project into an armed bloc. Baltic countries reject the idea of negotiations with Russia, insisting on strengthening borders and demonstrating strength, while discussions about diplomacy and the US position continue globally. 🛡️🌍"
date: 2026-06-28T19:26:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/europe-changes-strategy-from-a-peace-project-to-an-armed-alliance
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Europe changes strategy: from a peace project to an armed alliance

![Vladimir Putin delivers a speech against a neutral interior backdrop, symbolizing the geopolitical context of Europe’s shift from peace initiatives to a military alliance](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/28/evropa-menyaet-strategiyu-ot-proekta-mira-k-vooruzhennomu-soyuza/evropa-menyaet-strategiyu-ot-proekta-mira-k-vooruzhennomu-soyuza-1.webp)

The war between Russia and Ukraine has become a catalyst for fundamental changes in the architecture of European security. European Union countries, which have historically positioned themselves as a peace project, are forced to reconsider their defense approaches, transforming into an armed bloc capable of independently countering threats.

This was stated in an interview with Euractiv by the leaders of the Baltic states — Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. Their statements, published by RBC-Ukraine, paint a picture of a radical shift in the region's geopolitical thinking.

### From peace without weapons to peace with weapons

Kristen Michal emphasizes that defense cooperation was previously not a priority for the bloc, but reality has forced a re-evaluation of this position. According to him, Europe was a peace project without weapons, but now it will be a peace project — with weapons.

The Estonian leader argues for the necessity of such changes based on security logic: if the wealthiest region in the world acquires the ability to respond to threats from both within and without, it will become significantly stronger. Michal notes that this is not just about increasing military spending, but also about enhancing Europe's status as a reliable and predictable player on the global stage.

### Criticism of calls for negotiations

The leaders of the Baltic states take a hard line regarding initiatives to immediately begin negotiations with Moscow. In particular, they are critical of calls from some Western European politicians to freeze the front line.

The new Prime Minister of Latvia, Andris Kulbergs, stated directly that he does not believe in the possibility of peace agreements with Russia at the current stage. In his opinion, the main task now is not to seek compromises, but to strengthen borders so that there is not a single "weak link" left on Europe's eastern flank.

Kulbergs called for a unified approach within the bloc: "First, we must trust ourselves. We must demonstrate strength." As an example, he cited the situation in Latvia, which has already increased defense investments to 5% of GDP, exceeding the targets set by the Alliance.

### Diplomatic context and the West's position

Against the backdrop of hardening rhetoric in Europe, there is activity in the diplomatic field. Recently, Turkey declared its readiness to host new negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that the diplomatic process has stalled, and Ankara seeks to revitalize dialogue based on international law.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, emphasized that even within Russia, there are grievances against Vladimir Putin due to the prolongation of the conflict. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has already provided all necessary proposals to begin a real dialogue.

Particular attention is drawn to the position of the United States. President Donald Trump, in conversations with Zelenskyy, discussed the possibility of diplomacy with Russia. According to sources in the government, the American leader believes that Ukraine's pressure on Russia through long-range strikes and active combat operations increases the likelihood of a diplomatic settlement.