# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Junker mentality" by Mahir Ali, Published in Dawn on June 4th, 2025:* The article examines *Europe's militaristic approach* to the *Russia-Ukraine conflict*, arguing that unlike *1914*, *Europe* is not *sleepwalking into war* but deliberately *preparing for one* with *eyes wide open*. *Ukraine* recently executed *Operation Spider Web*, a sophisticated *drone strike* that *Volodymyr Zelensky* claims damaged or destroyed *over 40 strategic Russian bombers* across *four air bases*, planned for *18+ months* using *concealed drones* transported by unsuspecting *lorry drivers*. *Russia* acknowledged the *'terrorist' attack* without specifying losses, similar to *India's* response after its *clash with Pakistan* last month. The Ukrainian strikes followed *Russia's biggest drone and missile attack*, though it caused *fewer casualties* than *Israel's daily destruction in Gaza*. The *European war* has cost *more lives* than the *Middle East conflict*, yet the focus remains on *escalation* rather than *peaceful settlement*. The *Trump administration* considers allowing *Vladimir Putin* to retain *territorial gains* in any *peace deal*, which would be *unfair to Ukraine* seeking to maintain *1991 borders* from *Soviet collapse*. *Putin's selective historical reading* struggles with *21st-century realities*, but his *adversaries* face similar issues, particularly with *NATO's uncertainty* about *American support*. *Donald Trump* previously threatened *NATO exit* and now demands *allies increase military spending*, which many *European nations* are *willing to comply* with. The *UK* is investing *billions in weapons systems* for *'war-fighting readiness'* to send *strong messages* to *Moscow*, *Beijing*, *Tehran*, and *Pyongyang*, despite historically serving as a *cash laundry for Russian oligarchs*. *European political dynamics* show *Hungary's Viktor Orbán* calling *Trump* a *'truth serum'*, *Slovakia's Robert Fico* similarly inclined, while *Italy's Giorgia Meloni* balances between *Euro-liberals* and *Trump*. *Far-right formations* are gaining ground from *Portugal to Poland*, with *Chega party* becoming *main opposition in Lisbon* *50 years* after *dictatorship ended*, and *Karol Nawrocki* edging out *Warsaw mayor* after *MAGA endorsement*. At the *Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore*, *Trump's defense secretary Pete Hegseth* demanded *Asia-Pacific allies* increase *military spending* against *China*, while *German defense chief Carsten Breuer* warned of *Russian attack within four years*. *Chancellor Friedrich Merz* was in *Lithuania* marking the first *permanent German deployment* since *World War II*. The article warns that *European war-mongering* combined with *Putin's obduracy* could create a *self-fulfilling prophecy* of *continent-wide belligerence*, advocating for *better diplomacy* than *Trump* can offer to avoid a *clash of civilizations* and redirect *limited resources* from *preparing for unwinnable war* to addressing *socioeconomic deficiencies*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Europe* is deliberately *preparing for war* with *Russia* rather than seeking *peace*. *Ukraine's Operation Spider Web* destroyed *40+ Russian bombers* using *concealed drones*, while *Trump* considers letting *Putin* keep *territorial gains*. *European nations* are increasing *military spending* and *war preparations* at *Trump's* demand, with *far-right parties* gaining power across *Europe*. *German officials* warn of *Russian attack within four years* and deploy *troops to Lithuania*. The article warns that *European war-mongering* and *Putin's stubbornness* could trigger *continent-wide conflict*, urging *better diplomacy* over *military escalation*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Prioritize Diplomatic Solutions* Focus on *peaceful negotiations* rather than *military escalation* between *Russia* and *Ukraine*. ## *2. Reduce Military Escalation* *European nations* should limit *weapons investments* and *war preparations* that provoke *Moscow*. ## *3. Seek Fair Peace Settlement* Negotiate settlements that respect *Ukraine's 1991 borders* while addressing *legitimate security concerns*. ## *4. Counter Far-Right Influence* Address rising *far-right political movements* exploiting *war tensions* across *Europe*. ## *5. Strengthen EU Independence* Reduce *European dependence* on *US military policy* and *Trump's unpredictable strategies*. ## *6. Address Root Causes* Focus on *historical grievances* and *territorial disputes* through *international mediation*. ## *7. Invest in Socioeconomic Development* Redirect *military spending* toward *socioeconomic deficiencies* and *public welfare*. ## *8. Promote Multilateral Dialogue* Engage *Russia*, *China*, and other powers through *inclusive diplomatic frameworks*. ## *9. Strengthen International Law* Reinforce *international legal mechanisms* for *territorial disputes* and *conflict resolution*. ## *10. Counter War Propaganda* Challenge *war-mongering narratives* and promote *peace-building initiatives* across *Europe*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Operation Spider Web* damaged/destroyed *over 40 Russian strategic bombers*. - Operation planned for *more than 18 months*. - *Ukraine* struck *at least four Russian air bases*. - *Chega party* became *main opposition* in *Lisbon* *50 years* after *dictatorship ended*. - *German defense chief* warns of *Russian attack within four years*. - First *permanent German deployment* since *World War II* in *Lithuania*. - *Ukraine* seeks to maintain *1991 borders* from *Soviet collapse*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Russia-Ukraine war* started in *February 2022* (*UN*, 2024). - *NATO* has *32 member countries* as of *2024* (*NATO*, 2024). - *Ukraine* lost *20% of territory* to *Russian occupation* (*Institute for War*, 2024). - *European defense spending* increased *13%* in *2024* (*SIPRI*, 2024). - *Far-right parties* gained *15%* support across *Europe* in *2024* (*European Parliament*, 2024). - *Germany* plans *€100 billion defense budget* increase (*German Government*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What was the name of Ukraine's operation against Russian air bases?* A. Operation Thunder *B. Operation Spider Web* C. Operation Sky Strike D. Operation Air Shield ### 2. *How many Russian strategic bombers were reportedly damaged or destroyed?* A. Over 30 *B. Over 40* C. Over 50 D. Over 60 ### 3. *Who described Trump as a 'truth serum'?* A. Robert Fico *B. Viktor Orbán* C. Giorgia Meloni D. Friedrich Merz ### 4. *According to German defense chief, when might Russia attack NATO?* A. Within two years *B. Within four years* C. Within six years D. Within eight years ### 5. *When did Ukraine secure its current borders?* A. 1989 *B. 1991* C. 1993 D. 1995 # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Sleepwalking* (بے خبری سے چلنا) – Acting without awareness of consequences 2. *Audacious* (جرأت مندانہ) – Bold and daring 3. *Belligerents* (جنگجو) – Parties engaged in war or conflict 4. *Stratagem* (حکمت عملی) – Clever scheme or plan 5. *Reprehensible* (قابل مذمت) – Deserving criticism or blame 6. *Judicious* (دانشمندانہ) – Showing good judgment 7. *Putative* (مفروضہ) – Generally considered to be 8. *Coalesced* (متحد) – United or combined 9. *Predilections* (رجحانات) – Preferences or inclinations 10. *Squandering* (ضائع کرنا) – Wasting carelessly 11. *Duplicitous* (دوغلا) – Deceitful or dishonest 12. *Kowtowing* (خوشامد) – Showing excessive respect 13. *Antecedents* (پس منظر) – Previous history or background 14. *Waltzing* (رقص کرنا) – Dancing or moving gracefully 15. *Admonished* (نصیحت کی) – Warned or criticized 16. *Obduracy* (ضد) – Stubbornness or inflexibility 17. *Self-fulfilling prophecy* (خود پورا ہونے والی پیشین گوئی) – Prediction that causes itself to come true 18. *Belligerence* (جنگجوئی) – Aggressive or warlike behavior 19. *War-mongering* (جنگ بھڑکانا) – Encouraging or advocating war 20. *Redressing* (ازالہ کرنا) – Setting right or correcting 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *Junker mentality* *Mahir Ali* *5–6 minutes* UNLIKE 1914, Europe is not sleepwalking into war. It is tempting fate by preparing for one with its eyes wide open and sharply focused on the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine — where the latter has lately struck a powerful blow with audacious drone strikes aimed at its foe's offensive airborne capability. Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that over 40 strategic bombers were damaged or destroyed across at least four Russian air bases in Operation Spider Web, which had been planned for more than 18 months. Apparently, lorry drivers, who thought they were conveying wooden cabins, carried the concealed drones close to their targets. Russia has acknowledged the 'terrorist' attack without specifying its possibly substantial losses (much like India after last month's uncalled-for clash with Pakistan). It's hardly likely, however, that Kyiv's smart stratagem will propel the belligerents towards any peaceful settlement. The Ukrainian strikes followed what was purportedly the biggest Russian drone and missile attack against its involuntary adversary — which nonetheless resulted in fewer casualties than the daily dose of destruction perpetrated by Israel in Gaza. Overall, the European war has cost more lives than the even more reprehensible, and largely one-sided, Middle East conflict. The obvious question (in both cases) ought to revolve around how the war can be halted and a judicious settlement secured. The Trump administration, to Europe's horror, has been toying with the idea of allowing Vladimir Putin to retain most of Russia's territorial gains as part of any peace deal. That would be profoundly unfair to Ukraine, which would reasonably prefer to hold on to the borders it secured when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. But the tussle over Ukraine stretches far past the advent of the USSR, and Putin's selective reading of history has been transformed into a narrative that struggles to come to terms with 21st-century realities. Much the same could, however, also be said about his putative adversaries, coalesced in an offensive organisation that can no longer be confident about the predilections of its American sponsor. During his previous presidency, Donald Trump threatened to exit Nato. This time he has not spelt out similar intent, but is focused on the idea of allies squandering more resources on their military preparedness. Many of these allies seem willing to comply. A small island off the west coast of Europe is choosing to invest billions of dollars into weapons systems to achieve 'war-fighting readiness'. According to its defence secretary, the UK's posturing will "send a strong message to Moscow" as well as to Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang. Perhaps we should all be wary of a nation that has proudly served as a cash laundry for Russian oligarchs, among equally duplicitous 'investors' from the Gulf and elsewhere. Many European nations fall in a similar category, determined to attract appreciation of a White House that tends to disregard overtures that don't include a luxury Boeing. A so far small bunch of others go the other way by kowtowing to the Kremlin. Hungary's Viktor Orbán has absurdly described the liar in the White House as a 'truth serum'. Slovakia's Robert Fico is similarly inclined. Notwithstanding the neo-fascist antecedents of her party, Italy's Giorgia Meloni is comfortable waltzing with Euro-liberals as well as Trump without winking towards Putin. But from Portugal to Poland, far right political formations are making hay while the sun shines in Washington. Late last month, the Chega party emerged as the main opposition in Lisbon 50 years after its dictatorship was overthrown, and in Poland this week Karol Nawrocki edged out Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski after a Maga endorsement. Meanwhile, at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, not long after Trump's defence secretary Pete Hegseth admonished America's Asia-Pacific allies for not stepping up military spending in the face of the purported threat posed by China, German defence chief Carsten Breuer declared that Nato members faced a Russian attack within four years. Just days earlier, Chancellor Friedrich Merz was in Lithuania to mark the first permanent deployment of German personnel since World War II. It is not hard to imagine the message such tactics convey to Moscow. An all-out war would be disastrous for Russia and the rest of Europe alike, but one cannot help wondering whether the combination of European war-mongering and Putin's obduracy could translate into a self-fulfilling prophecy of continent-wide belligerence. Europe's focus should be on better diplomacy than Trump and his minions can offer, so that a clash of civilisations can be averted and the continent's limited resources can be devoted to redressing socioeconomic deficiencies instead of preparing for an unwinnable war. [email protected] Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025