Editorial: ​Dublin summit a reminder of real Russian threat

​Leaders from across the continent have been meeting in Dublin this week, with Putin’s war dominating the agenda once again.

Hybrid warfare has also been a major concern for the politicians gathered at the European Political Community summit, with the various bomb threats on schools and media organisations in recent days serving as a reminder.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned the gathering that Russia wants to reshape the security framework of the entire continent. He wants Europe to have a regular place at the negotiating table, as part of ongoing efforts to end the war.

However, the Russian regime is showing no signs that it is serious about peace. Amid its ongoing efforts to stall, Russia now says Europe must show it is ready to contribute to the Ukraine peace process before it is allowed to join.

Europe’s support for Ukraine is vital in the context of a United States of America which has, at times, been anything but a reliable partner to Kiev – and given far too much succour to the Russian aggressor.

This week’s event in Dublin was a welcome display of unity from the vast majority of European leaders on Ukraine. Hopefully that coalition will hold together.

The political reality is that for a deal to be struck, it appears Ukraine is going to be asked to cede parts of its territory to Russia. That is an appalling position for the country to be placed in.

Ultimately, that is a decision that only the Ukrainians can make. Whatever their decision, the UK and EU must remain full square behind Zelensky, and not allow Putin to further divide Europe.