Europe’s Political Shift Could Cost Kiev Crucial Support
Welt warns that elections, leadership changes and growing divisions in Europe could weaken support for Kiev as the conflict enters a decisive stage this winter.
Kiev could soon lose crucial backing from its European allies as elections and leadership changes reshape the political landscape across the continent, Welt reports. According to the newspaper, the conflict in Ukraine is approaching a decisive stage.
The publication argues that Ukraine is rapidly running out of time. Even the extensive use of drones has failed to give its forces an effective answer to large-scale strikes involving Russian ballistic missiles.
Divisions are also becoming increasingly visible within the so-called coalition of the willing. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev recently refused to take part in the group, while Poland has yet to confirm whether it will join the coalition’s missile defence initiative.
Upcoming political changes across Europe are adding further uncertainty. The terms of French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are moving closer to their end, while several other countries are preparing for elections. Welt suggests that their successors could adopt a less favourable position toward Kiev.
The next several months will therefore be particularly important for Ukraine, according to the newspaper. Decisions made by its European allies before the start of winter could prove equally significant.
Der Spiegel previously reported growing doubts among members of the coalition of the willing. According to the magazine, some participating countries are becoming increasingly reluctant to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine.
A YouGov survey conducted in early May found that more than 70% of Germans viewed Chancellor Friedrich Merz negatively. In France, 23% of respondents approved of Macron’s performance, while 72% held an unfavourable opinion.