Russia and Ukraine

[Belacqua]

The combined GDP of just Germany and the UK is nearly quadruple that of Russia. They may not have the manufacturing capability to produce the war material needed but they could pay for us to do it.

Well, I hadn't thought of that. I guess Germany and the UK could just send cash to the US for weapons, and continue the war that way. 

The weapons industry would be happy. Zelensky would be able to keep his role for a while longer. Trump might still get the Ukrainian minerals. 

The question of course is whether the UK and Germany, or any other country, would see this as a good deal. Germany is hurting; its industry can't function without Russian energy. The Financial Times says that German politicians are hoping to restart the pipelines from Russia soon. Currently they are buying Russian gas through India, but the middleman takes a big cut. 

So no doubt you're right: the EU or some part of it could keep things going if they want to badly enough. But we'll see if they have the political will to do it. 

Though I am skeptical that the EU could make any headway against Russia, it might be good for them in the long run to develop an independent policy, not entirely obedient to the US.