Despite the Ukraine war taking place on the European stage, Europe fails to perform. Shifts in internal balances due to geopolitical cleavages, different economic interests and positions on Russia, matter, but the issue is much thornier. As a redefinition of the balance of power is at stake, the enigma of Washington’s and Moscow’s final intentions looms. Should the conflict be prolonged, it will harm all European prospects, leading to a lengthy grim future.