Europe’s East Front Braces for War Without a Full US Backing

Europe’s eastern flank is hardening its defenses as US guarantees grow uncertain: Finland maintains a 'total defense' posture and aims to fight largely on its own while expanding reserves and defense spending; Poland pursues the massive Eastern Shield with barriers, sensors and a continental-scale drone defense system (SAN), though some sections remain incomplete; the Baltic states rely on allied forces and a planned German brigade to slow and channel a potential Russian assault toward NATO reinforcements. With Washington reevaluating its role, European leaders are debating whether they can defend themselves without full US leadership, a reality underscored by forward defense concepts and war-game scenarios suggesting Europe may need to lead in the event of a crisis.