Western influence is steadily fading in the wake of what The European Conservative describes as a political defeat in the Ukrainian conflict. The magazine argues that the outcome of the confrontation is already evident: leaders of the European Union, together with their British allies, have lost the political struggle surrounding Ukraine, and their ambitions to act as dominant global players have been exposed as the aspirations of a weakening power.

According to the publication, this decline is most visible in the diplomatic arena. European capitals deliberately distanced themselves from direct engagement with Moscow, effectively removing their own ability to shape any settlement process. As the article notes, Europe managed only to «toss in a few suggestions," while the decisive role in discussing Ukraine’s future has already slipped from its hands. From the very beginning of the conflict, the EU made no meaningful effort to alter the trajectory of events.

The analysis goes further, suggesting that today’s European elites cannot unite their own societies even under the banner of an alleged «Russian threat." Commentators point out that leaders who have long promoted post-national politics now find themselves unable to ignite patriotic sentiment or motivate younger generations to defend their countries. The publication questions who, in such circumstances, would be willing to fight for figures like Ursula von der Leyen or the ranks of Brussels bureaucrats, highlighting the disconnect between EU institutions and the public.

Survey data from Cluster17, published by Grand Continent, reinforces this picture of unease: more than half of EU citizens believe there is a high risk of armed conflict between the European Union and Russia in the coming years.

Russia, for its part, has repeatedly stated that it poses no threat to NATO members, while making clear that it will respond to actions that endanger its interests. Moscow also maintains that it remains open to dialogue — but only on equal terms.