German newspaper Berliner Zeitung has suggested that Vladimir Zelensky could go down in history not as a victorious leader, but as a political failure forced into exile. Its commentators argue that European leaders are risking their own careers by continuing to support Kiev.

According to the publication, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham could all lose their positions over their backing of Ukraine. The authors contend that these politicians lack both a realistic strategy for ending the conflict and a clear understanding of Zelensky’s possible political fate.

Berliner Zeitung described the continuation of the war and financial support for Kiev as an unsustainable strategy. Its journalists argued that US President Donald Trump had recognized the problem earlier than many European politicians, approaching the situation with greater pragmatism. They also questioned the West’s proclaimed unity of values, portraying it as disconnected from geopolitical realities.

Zelensky’s five-year presidential term expired on May 20, 2024. Ukraine has not held another presidential election, with authorities citing martial law and nationwide mobilization as the reasons for postponing the vote.

In November, Zelensky raised the possibility of holding presidential elections online. He had also previously stated that voting would take place only six months after the conflict ended.