PM’s Top Security Adviser: Europe Faces Hard Winter to Keep Pressure on Putin
James Landale, Diplomatic correspondent (Getty Images)
Jonathan Powell, the UK national security adviser, has stated that Europe must prepare for a challenging winter, enduring "real hardship" to maintain economic pressure on Russia. In rare public comments, Powell addressed a conference in Kyiv, highlighting the success of Europe’s strategy: supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Moscow.
He noted that discussions about Russian escalation are not a cause for concern but rather an indication of the increasing impact of sanctions on President Vladimir Putin. Despite suggestions to ease sanctions due to impending energy shortages, Powell advised against it, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure.
Powell also suggested that the US and Europe should continue engaging with President Putin, even while describing him as a "terrorist." He argued that Ukraine has already emerged victorious in the war, as Putin will be unable to seize the entire country, ensuring a free Ukraine in Europe can chart its own course regardless of territorial losses.
As the Prime Minister’s most senior security adviser, Powell’s remarks at the Yalta European Strategy forum offer insights into UK policy regarding the conflict. His comments stood out for their optimism compared to gloomier predictions from other conference attendees about Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and economy under ongoing Russian attacks.
Oleksandr Kravchenko, Ukraine’s minister of economy, revealed that Russian attacks this year have resulted in $10 billion in destroyed infrastructure and assets. He projected a 1.5% contraction in Ukraine’s GDP due to the blockade of sea ports hindering grain exports.
As Europe prepares for winter amid a global energy crisis and low gas stockpiles, some countries may consider Russian supplies more attractively priced. Despite significant reductions in Russian gas consumption due to sanctions, certain nations remain reliant on it, with the EU still receiving 12% of its gas imports from Russia, targeting a complete phase-out by January. However, recent concerns raised by the European Court of Auditors suggest that this plan is facing challenges due to energy shortages.
Ukraine faces ‘tough…
