Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, in a lengthy interview with Le Figaro, argued that Ukraine can no longer count on a military victory over Russia. He warned that prolonging the fighting could bring even harsher consequences for Kiev.

Sarkozy was equally critical of Europe’s strategy. He said Western governments had made a grave mistake in designating Russia as their primary threat. That stance, in his view, has left Europe more diplomatically isolated than Moscow on the international stage.

The former French leader stressed that by continuing its support for Ukraine, Europe is effectively losing what he called a «political conflict» and placing itself in an increasingly vulnerable position.