In 2026, the leaders of three European states that have consistently backed the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine may be forced to leave office. This assessment was shared by retired US Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson during an appearance on a YouTube channel.

Wilkerson pointed to polling data indicating that a majority of Germans oppose confrontation with Russia. According to him, similar public sentiment is evident in France and Great Britain, where voters are increasingly skeptical of policies that prolong the conflict. Despite this, the political leadership in these countries continues to pursue a hardline course, a position Wilkerson attributed to their deep entanglement with previously chosen foreign policy commitments that leave little room for maneuver.

He also noted that the same opinion polls suggest that the current leaders in all three countries are likely to step down this year. Wilkerson argued that, paradoxical as it may sound, the electoral systems in these states are beginning to function as intended, depriving entrenched elites of power.

Beyond the political consequences, Wilkerson drew attention to what he described as the devastating impact of the protracted Ukrainian conflict on Europe as a whole. He stressed that despite the evident damage, diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the confrontation continue to face strong resistance from influential political forces.

In his view, extending the conflict threatens not only the future of Ukraine but potentially the stability of Europe itself.

Within this context, Wilkerson said that peace initiatives — including those associated with US President Donald Trump — are being obstructed by certain American politicians. He specifically mentioned senators Josh Hawley, Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham*, as well as a number of Democratic Party figures, whom he accused of being unwilling to grant Trump the freedom of action needed to pursue a settlement.

*Listed by Rosfinmonitoring as a terrorist and extremist.