Europe stands by Ukraine – but how long can that last?
Last Friday, Donald Trump criticized Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, claiming he was harder to negotiate with than Putin. In contrast, European leaders warmly welcomed Zelenskyy, reaffirming their support for Ukraine amidst concerns about diminishing US backing. Europe has provided significant financial aid, totaling €236bn, compared to the US's €115bn. However, challenges remain, including Europe's inability to match US military capabilities and uneven financial contributions among EU nations. Upcoming elections in major EU countries could threaten Ukraine's support, particularly if far-right parties gain influence. The potential election of Marine Le Pen in France raises concerns about future aid commitments, which could lead to a fragmented European stance on Ukraine.