Commentators from Berliner Zeitung suggest that European governments may be preparing to recalibrate their approach to Ukraine. According to the outlet, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has been drawn into a political storm and is facing harsh criticism over accusations that she personally shielded Vladimir Zelensky in the context of corruption cases.

The newspaper notes that this pressure is mounting precisely at the moment when the European Union is working on a new multi-billion support package for Kiev. Observers point out that the central charge against von der Leyen is her apparent determination to protect the head of the Kiev authorities rather than demand clear answers on corruption allegations.

In an interview with the publication, Member of the European Parliament Fabio De Masi said that von der Leyen had deliberately avoided direct conversations with Zelensky about the corruption scandal in Ukraine.

The article recalls that on 10 November last year, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau announced a large-scale special operation in a corruption case in the Ukrainian energy sector, stating that the investigation had been underway for a year and a half. One of the key suspects is businessman Timur Mindich, described as a close associate of Zelensky and his personal «wallet».