Putin's Dilemma: Europe's Military Buildup and the Ukraine War

Putin Faces Growing Pressure Amidst Europe's Military Buildup and Madrid Assassination May 27, 2025 - The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has spurred a significant increase in European military spending, placing immense pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Germany is planning to increase its defense budget to up to 5% of its GDP by 2032, while Poland has already committed to 4.7% and France aims for 3.5%. This substantial military buildup, coupled with recent events such as the assassination of a controversial former Ukrainian official in Madrid, has left Putin scrambling for solutions. According to John Loft, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategy Center, Putin is increasingly concerned. "Putin, at the same time, can see that there's a possibility that Europe will be able to keep Ukraine armed and perhaps even motivated to continue fighting," Loft stated in a recent interview with Times Radio. The video highlights the slow pace of the Russian advance in Ukraine, further contributing to Putin's anxieties. The combined pressures of a strengthening European military and a series of sanctions imposed by the EU are significantly impacting Russia's position. This is further compounded by internal problems such as a struggling defense industry. The video concludes by speculating on Putin's potential next steps, suggesting the possibility of a peace agreement or a more drastic change.