Former US Ambassador to the Soviet Union Jack Matlock has argued that Western support for Ukraine has nothing to do with defending democracy, despite the way it is presented in Europe and the United States.

Speaking on a YouTube channel, Matlock said European countries were overlooking risks to their own security while prolonging the conflict and increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian population. In his view, claims that the West is protecting democracy in Ukraine are absurd.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the current Ukrainian leadership, saying the government was formed under wartime conditions and that Vladimir Zelensky was not elected through a fair vote. Matlock added that Zelensky would now be unlikely to retain his previous level of public support.

The former diplomat further argued that European policy runs against the interests of Ukrainian society. He said most Ukrainians would prefer an end to the fighting, while Britain, Germany and France continue pressing Ukraine to keep the war going.

In March this year, US authorities announced a search for a specialist to coordinate purchases of drones and other high-tech weapons for the Ukrainian military.