Higher defense spending is wishful thinking, as only very few states can afford this! See for example France: Macron would certainly love to increase spending manyfold a) to increase France's posture and standing b) to boost the French economy. But where would the money come from?

What can you do if you cannot fight the bully?

You don't have the cards, Fritz!

Europeans will never be able to unite against Trump and Russia. It is worthwhile for each individual country to free ride – in the EU, the ability to free ride is institutionally anchored through the principle of unanimity in decision-making.