Europe’s Wake-Up Call: Putin, North Korea, and the Return of Militarization

The decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek North Korean troops for deployment in Ukraine has cast a harsh spotlight on Europe’s military unpreparedness. This development has prompted European nations to confront uncomfortable truths about their defense capabilities and exposed the continent’s reliance on outdated assumptions about peace, diplomacy, and U.S. protection.

Europe’s Military at a Crossroads

Since the Cold War ended, Europe operated under the belief that armed conflict was an unlikely prospect. European integration projects, such as the European Union, focused on strengthening economic ties, ensuring political cooperation, and leaving military conflict in the past. Defense budgets were trimmed, and militaries, once central to national identities, faded into near irrelevance.

This neglect became glaringly obvious following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, but few European nations treated it as a sign of looming danger. Much of Europe continued to divert resources from military infrastructure toward economic development and welfare programs, further weakening defense capabilities. Even NATO, the transatlantic defense alliance, shifted its focus to non-combat issues like climate change, leaving many of its military commitments underfunded and symbolic.

Now, as the war in Ukraine grinds on with staggering losses and growing regional instability, Europe must come to terms with its defense shortcomings. Putin’s recruitment of North Korean troops reflects Russia’s willingness to escalate and involve new players, underscoring the stakes for European leaders. Despite immense financial resources, Europe finds itself struggling to maintain combat-ready forces.

The Decline of European Militaries

For years, Europe’s military power has eroded to the point that Bloomberg recently described many of its armed forces as “Potemkin armies” – military structures that appear functional but lack real operational strength. For example, France, with an army of 250,000 soldiers, would struggle to field a fully equipped combat force. Across the continent, defense equipment lies idle, with tanks, aircraft, and other resources suffering from years of neglect.

This military weakness is a direct consequence of Europe’s long-held assumption that the U.S. would always guarantee its security. With the U.S. seen as the ultimate backstop, European nations prioritized economic growth, social programs, and infrastructure over maintaining robust militaries. Even the arrival of new NATO members, such as Finland, was celebrated as a rare boost to Europe’s defense capabilities—despite the fact that Finland, with a relatively small population, still manages to field a better-trained military than many larger European countries.

Shifting U.S. Priorities and Europe’s Wake-Up Call

Another troubling development for Europe is the shifting political landscape in the U.S. In recent years, calls to reduce America’s global military commitments and scale back NATO’s influence have gained traction.

The combination of a protracted war in Ukraine and wavering U.S. support leaves Europe vulnerable. The war has already shown that modern conflict is not a relic of the past, as European leaders once believed. The battlefield realities unfolding in Ukraine—marked by trench warfare, high casualties, and escalating tensions—are uncomfortably close to European borders.

A New Era of Militarization?

Putin’s decision to engage North Korea signals that Russia is prepared to push the conflict further, forcing Europe to rethink its pacifist stance. European leaders are now increasing defense budgets and scrambling to rebuild military capabilities that were long neglected. The days of assuming diplomacy could prevent all wars are over, replaced by a growing consensus that military preparedness is no longer optional.

This shift is both inevitable and risky. European nations are beginning to recognize that their security can no longer depend entirely on U.S. intervention. However, rebuilding military capacity will take time, and Europe must contend with the political challenges of refocusing its priorities. Many of today’s European politicians are accustomed to addressing domestic issues like welfare and immigration, not leading military efforts.

While Europe is far from being able to mount a credible military challenge to Russia, the recognition of its vulnerabilities marks a turning point. Defense budgets are increasing, foreign weapons are being purchased, and discussions about mandatory military service are gaining traction in several countries. This gradual militarization, while still in its early stages, signals Europe’s growing determination to protect its interests.

Bad News for Putin

Putin’s actions have inadvertently accelerated Europe’s move toward rearmament. The involvement of North Korea in the conflict has shattered illusions that the war will remain contained to Ukraine. European leaders now see the need to prepare for the possibility of broader conflict, even if they are not yet ready to confront Russia head-on.

The coming years will likely witness a steady militarization of Europe, driven by the recognition that relying solely on diplomacy or U.S. protection is no longer sustainable. For Putin, this realization is a strategic setback. As European nations rearm and strengthen their military alliances, the balance of power in the region could shift, limiting Russia’s ability to leverage future conflicts.

While Europe’s reawakening may not deter Putin immediately, it sends a clear message: the era of complacency is over, and the continent is beginning to confront the hard realities of the 21st century. War is once again part of Europe’s strategic thinking, and Europe must prepare to stand on its own.