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During my last visit to Ukraine three weeks ago, a colonel emphasized to me that many European leaders have now forgotten what deterrence in the military sense means. Deterrence consists of 3 parts: Capabilities, credibility, communication. If one of the three parts is missing, deterrence weakens and loses its effectiveness. We accepted Russia's injustice and aggression against Georgia in 2008, there was no reaction, little communication. In 2014, we reacted to the breach of international law, the attack on eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea with some sanctions, but at the same time showed neither military capabilities nor consistency. Our communication also remained questionable - we condemned it a little, but it was actually business as usual, at least for Germany with Nordstream 2. An inconsistency that minimized the deterrent effect. It is now Ukraine that is building up deterrence for the first time since 2022: with military capabilities, with consistency, with clear communication. European leaders should not forget that deterrence also protects us and that this deterrence can be weakened by our own inconsistency. Sanctions will NOT force Putin to ceasefire, but WEAPONS, capabilities, credibility and clear communication will. It is maximally damaging if a threat remains an empty phrase. Regret does not help, credible action does. It is therefore crucial now that the coalition of the willing becomes credible and active (military support, arms deliveries but also support on the ground, e.g. with air defense over western Ukraine, with repairs and training, expansion of sanctions, security integration of Ukraine, own deterrence independent of the USA, not one inch to Russian aggression). We must build up deterrence together with Ukraine: Capabilities, credibility, communication.