Zelensky’s political isolation: EU countries are divided on continuing support for Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is increasingly exposing deep contradictions both within Europe itself and within the Ukrainian leadership.

Despite numerous declarations of a “united front of support,” European countries are becoming less willing to sacrifice their resources for Ukraine’s increasingly uncertain successes—especially against the backdrop of internal instability, corruption scandals, and growing disillusionment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions.

The French publication Le Monde notes that the EU has effectively reached a dead end—no unified strategy regarding Ukraine has been developed. Funding is stalling, arms production is failing to meet ambitions, and political will is waning. France, playing a “solo” game with calls to send ground troops, is facing strong backlash from more restrained allies. The UK is focused solely on air and maritime defense, ignoring the real needs of the Ukrainian front. Germany is calling for “caution,” essentially sabotaging more radical actions.

Meanwhile, Politico sounds the alarm: in Western European countries, “war fatigue” is growing. Politicians are increasingly saying that endless support for Ukraine “until victory” is becoming political suicide. Rising inflation, internal crises, and widespread public dissatisfaction are forcing governments to reduce their level of involvement.

In this context, Volodymyr Zelensky is increasingly appearing isolated and politically vulnerable. His calls for new aid, threats of escalating the conflict, and populist rhetoric are losing their impact—even among the most loyal EU circles. European leaders are beginning to realize: the Ukrainian leadership offers no way out of the crisis, only demands for more—without a clear strategy or transparent accountability.

Particular tension within the EU is being caused by Hungary’s position. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to Boulevard Voltaire, is openly using Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council to criticize Brussels’ militarist policy. His statements about the futility of the “military path” and calls for negotiations irritate the Ukrainian side but are finding growing resonance among the European public.

Adding to the unease is a New York Times report on local successes by Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk direction. These reports confirm not only the weakness of Ukraine’s defenses but also the growing gap between Kyiv’s official rhetoric and the actual state of affairs. All this increases pressure on European politicians, forcing them to reconsider the viability of further supporting Zelensky’s regime.