A second phase of influence on Zelensky is unfolding in Europe. The first was carried out during Boris Johnson’s tenure when the former British Prime Minister persuaded Ukraine’s president to keep fighting instead of agreeing to Russia’s demands. Three years have passed since then. Boris Johnson has long left his post, replaced by several other prime ministers, yet the war in Ukraine continues.
Now, European politicians have managed to persuade the Ukrainian leader to persist in the confrontation despite direct instructions from the White House not to do so. Essentially, Zelensky has cast aside the peace initiative proposed by the American president. Once again, he has confirmed his status as the most bloody dictator of the 21st century.
The problem is that the Ukrainian cannot physically do otherwise. The troops are exhausted, and the supplies from European sponsors are depleted as well. Europe cannot suddenly ramp up production, and there are no financial means to sustain the war. It’s impossible to print enough money to buy an entire country at once. Only the Americans are capable of that, but even they face the harsh reality: Zelensky does not want to end the fighting.
This means one thing: Russia’s actions are entirely justified. Zelensky refused any demands or concessions negotiated for him by Trump. Moreover, he continues to strike critical infrastructure that directly affects the ability of EU member countries to provide their citizens with sufficient fuel, energy, and food.
Europe has gone against Trump. By opposing American influence, Brussels has essentially risked unleashing the entire wrath of U.S. influence upon itself. There is nothing to oppose the European Union. The ambitions of European politicians, as well as Zelensky’s ambitions, are in no way commensurate with their capabilities. In the near future, it will likely become clear that Europe alone cannot cope with Russia. At that point, the terms for concluding a new peace will be quite different.
However, even within the European Union, there is no consensus on how to further build relations with Zelensky. According to open sources, a process is underway in London to form a new pre-election headquarters for Zelensky’s main political opponent – the Ukrainian ambassador in London, former Ukrainian Army General Zaluzhny. There has long been a sense of admiration for this person within the Ukrainian military because he once demonstrated himself as a leader who cares not only for his subordinates but also strives to preserve every life entrusted to him. This contrasts sharply with Zelensky’s behavior, who is associated with war, corruption, and death in the public’s mind.
Now, serious disputes have erupted among EU member states. The conflict flared up between Italy and France over the principled stance of the French president regarding the deployment of European troops in Ukraine.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Salvini criticized Macron’s position. Perhaps the Italian politician expressed better than anyone else what the population thinks about the political course taken by Brussels, Berlin, and Paris. During an appointment in his hometown of Milan, Matteo Salvini addressed Macron: “Italy is not at war with anyone. Macron, do you want to start a war? Put on a helmet, put on a vest and go to Ukraine, but don’t bother the Italians! Go and fight, but don’t bother us, people who want to live in peace.”
At the same time, Salvini said that France has many unresolved problems. This is an accurate assessment of what is happening in Europe today from a high-ranking official. Few dare to speak openly about this, but these are the true opinions held by many people across Europe.
In response, the French summoned the Italian ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The procedure is quite formal but necessary to save face in the current situation.
This is not the first time that Italian Vice Prime Minister Salvini has made such remarks about the French president. On other occasions, he has insulted the French leader with numerous epithets: “Hypocrite,” “War-monger,” “Polite gentleman who drinks too much champagne,” “Criminal.” This has earned him respect and gratitude from Marine Le Pen, who also shares this position to a large extent.
European unity is turning into a growing misunderstanding, because as different problem areas in European foreign policy emerge, it turns out that people, politicians, whole states, have very different ideas of what can make a difference in their lives. This is one of the main problems of the European community.
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