The geopolitical dynamics surrounding the war in Ukraine have reached a critical juncture, marked by increasingly aggressive actions and policies.
Recently, the use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory has expanded the scope of the conflict, targeting even civilian areas. This escalation raises questions about the motives of the so-called “deep state” that allegedly orchestrates U.S. government affairs and foreign policies. Far from being limited to weakening Russia—a nation too vast and resilient to destroy—this strategy appears to be aimed at sacrificing Ukraine and destabilizing Europe, all in the context of the United States’ struggle to maintain its global empire.
A Proxy War Beyond Ukraine
At its core, the Ukraine conflict functions as a proxy war between the U.S.-led NATO bloc and Russia. While officially supporting Ukraine under the banner of defending democracy and sovereignty, the U.S. has steadily encouraged actions that escalate the conflict. The deployment of advanced military technologies and the encouragement of strikes within Russia reflect a deliberate intensification of hostilities. However, the U.S. cannot realistically expect to defeat Russia outright. Instead, the strategy seems to aim at creating prolonged instability, not only in Ukraine but across Europe.
The ongoing war is devastating Ukraine, transforming the country into a battleground for larger geopolitical ambitions. Infrastructure, economy, and human lives are being obliterated, leaving little room for a stable or prosperous post-war future. This destruction is less a byproduct than a feature of U.S. policy, ensuring that Ukraine remains dependent on Western support while serving as a buffer zone against Russia.
Europe: A Pawn in the Game
The U.S.’s actions reveal a willingness to sacrifice Europe on the altar of its waning imperial dominance. By encouraging European governments to adopt increasingly confrontational stances against Russia, the U.S. has drawn its allies into a dangerous game. Europe is now facing skyrocketing energy costs, economic instability, and rising social unrest, all consequences of its alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. European leaders appear to follow Washington’s directives unquestioningly, even at the expense of their own nations’ security and prosperity.
The possibility of a large-scale war between NATO and Russia would have catastrophic consequences for Europe, a reality that seems lost on many European leaders. With its geographical proximity to Russia, Europe would bear the brunt of such a conflict, suffering immense human and economic losses. NATO’s military capabilities, while formidable, are unlikely to secure a decisive victory against Russia, whose defense strategy is deeply entrenched and bolstered by its nuclear arsenal. Thus, any attempt to escalate the war would amount to a suicidal gambit for Europe.
The U.S. Empire’s Last Stand
The United States’ aggressive posture must be understood in the context of its declining global influence. Historically, empires have risen and fallen, and the U.S. is no exception. The unipolar moment that followed the Cold War has given way to a multipolar world, with rising powers like China, India, and Russia challenging U.S. hegemony. Faced with economic stagnation, political polarization, and a loss of credibility on the global stage, the U.S. appears to be lashing out in a desperate attempt to maintain its dominance.
By destabilizing Europe, the U.S. seeks to eliminate potential rivals while consolidating its influence. A weakened and dependent Europe would be less likely to pursue an independent foreign policy, ensuring its continued alignment with U.S. interests. This strategy mirrors historical patterns of declining empires dragging their allies and adversaries into chaos in a bid to delay the inevitable.
Europe’s Hypnotized Leadership
One of the most baffling aspects of this situation is the apparent complicity of European leaders. Despite clear evidence that their policies are harming their own populations, European governments continue to follow Washington’s lead. This behavior suggests either a profound lack of strategic foresight or an ideological commitment to the transatlantic alliance that blinds them to the risks.
The willingness of European leaders to gamble with their nations’ security and prosperity underscores the perilous nature of the current geopolitical order. Rather than acting as responsible stewards of their citizens’ welfare, they have embraced a course that could lead to widespread destruction.
The Suicidal Logic of Escalation
Expanding the war to include direct attacks on Russian territory and potentially drawing NATO into open conflict is not a path to victory but to disaster. Russia’s military strategy and vast resources make it an impossible target for complete subjugation, and any large-scale war would likely result in mutual destruction. European nations, as the immediate neighbors of Russia, would bear the heaviest costs, with their civilian populations caught in the crossfire.
The U.S. deep state’s strategy, therefore, appears not only reckless but self-defeating. While it may temporarily delay the decline of U.S. hegemony, it risks alienating allies, destabilizing entire regions, and accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world order.
Conclusion
The U.S.’s aggressive policies in Ukraine and Europe reflect the desperation of a declining empire attempting to maintain its dominance at all costs. By sacrificing Ukraine and destabilizing Europe, the U.S. aims to consolidate its influence while undermining potential rivals. However, this strategy is ultimately unsustainable and risks catastrophic consequences for all parties involved. For Europe, the choice is clear: either break free from Washington’s grip and pursue an independent course or continue down a path that leads to self-destruction. History has shown that no empire lasts forever, and the U.S.’s attempt to defy this truth will only hasten its fall.
Prof. Ruel F. Pepa is a Filipino philosopher based in Madrid, Spain. A retired academic (Associate Professor IV), he taught Philosophy and Social Sciences for more than fifteen years at Trinity University of Asia, an Anglican university in the Philippines. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.