• metermatic26@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    6
    ·
    2 days ago

    Right, so we should just sit back and let Eastern Europe get overrun by Russia? I’m sure it’ll work out great for youth unemployment and affordable housing. Freedom and democracy are actually worth fighting for.

    • horse@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      11
      ·
      2 days ago

      I’m less worried about Europe’s ability to defend itself against Russia than I am about building a strong military for the fascists of the AfD if they manage to take power in Germany.

      Besides, in my opinion forcing unwilling people in to military service is immoral, regardless of circumstances.

      • metermatic26@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        2 days ago

        That was true 70 years ago, but today Germany is a country with an aging population, outdated industry and infrastructure, few remaining natural resources, strong cultural and historic ties with Russia and a populace that leans heavily into pacifism. Military adventurism just isn’t in the cards, regardless who wins the elections.

        I’ll even argue that to remain passive in the face of injustice isn’t at all moral or ethical. We are already at war. The enemy just hasn’t reached the German border yet.

        While Germans drag their feet, discussing matters of military support, re-armament and deterrence, more and more Ukrainians are left dead from Russian missiles and drones. Germany’s ethics are paid for in blood by Ukrainian men, woman and children.

        • horse@feddit.org
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          2 days ago

          It’s a country where 30% of the population votes for fascists. In some parts it’s more like 50%. I hope you’re right, but I don’t want to see a potential AfD led government with a strong military.

          I agree that pacifism in the face of Russian aggression is a mistake, but recruiting a bunch of kids who don’t want to serve is not going to do anything to help Ukraine.

    • Tattorack@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      2 days ago

      Nobody from Europe is sending troops into Ukraine. Nothing will happen until Russia actually attacks a NATO member, but then it’s a genuine question if any NATO country will actually uphold its promise.

      Comsidering how many countries are really really scared of Russian nukes, I think it’s more likely that should a NATO country get attacked, every other NATO country will just pussyfoot around, even if they have a large military.

      • metermatic26@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        2 days ago

        Russia actually invading a NATO state is not a likely scenario, but minor incursions are. Not responding to those will fracture NATO and invite even more Russian aggression, with the ultimate goal of wrestling territory from the Baltics.

        But here’s the catch: its not just the Baltics that are at risk. The Baltic states are also EU member states. If Russia manages to succesfully confront and annex EU member states, then it will massively impact things like the value of the Euro, the credibility and stability of EU institutions, freedom of travel et cetera.

        Even right-wing governments will be forced respond. So we’ll still end up fighting a war with Russia, only from a considerably worse poisition then if we continue re-arming Europe and supporting Ukraine.