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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become more direct and critical of European leaders this year, adopting a tougher and more imposing tone towards Ukraine's allies.
Fueled by growing confidence that Ukraine can continue to resist war after another extremely difficult winter, as well as dissatisfaction with what he sees as a lack of determination from European partners, Zelensky is becoming less and less diplomatic in his communication with Europe.
This approach is causing irritation in some European capitals.
Last month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly rejected Zelensky's insistence on Ukraine's rapid accession to the European Union. He called the Ukrainian president's proposed deadline for membership of January 1, 2027, unrealistic.
"Zelensky had the idea that Ukraine would join the EU on January 1, 2027. That won't work. Even January 1, 2028 is not realistic ," Merz declared.
The German Chancellor also stressed that membership cannot happen as long as the war continues and suggested that the path to the EU could also include territorial concessions to Russia, a stance that contradicts the current European consensus, according to which allies should not impose peace conditions on Ukraine.
“Relations between Kiev and Brussels are currently at their most tense point since wartime ,” a former senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Politico.
According to the article, during an informal European Union summit in Cyprus in April, several European leaders criticized Zelensky for his expectations regarding EU membership and for rejecting a gradual integration process, while Ukraine still needs to implement important reforms and address problems with corruption.
However, Zelensky continues to insist that Ukraine "deserves full membership in the European Union" and that this process must be accelerated.
The Ukrainian president's assertive approach has previously created tensions with Western allies. The article recalls that in 2022, former US President Joe Biden also lost patience with Zelensky, after the latter requested more military aid immediately after the approval of an additional $1 billion package from the US.
A Republican foreign policy expert, quoted by Politico, said that many Ukrainians believe they are fighting not only for Ukraine, but also for all of Europe and the West.
“For this reason, they feel they don’t have to be grateful or soften their demands,” he said. “Zelensky strongly believes that Europe owes Ukraine. This affects the way he thinks and communicates. But not all Europeans see the situation in the same way.”
According to some analysts, this mode of communication risks alienating the very partners on whom Ukraine depends for financial, military and diplomatic support. Just last month, the European Union approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos in February, Zelensky sharply criticized European leaders for their lack of support for Ukraine and for insufficient investment in Europe's own defense.
"Too often in Europe, something else is considered more urgent. Europe likes to talk about the future, but avoids action today," he declared.
His comments surprised and irritated some of the European audience.
Analyst Natia Seskuria, from the British RUSI institute, said Zelensky is unhappy with the way Europe has organized support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kiev's self-confidence has also been bolstered by the development of its domestic defense industry. Ukraine now produces almost half of its military needs, including drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
Kiev has also signed export agreements for drones with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to secure more financing and expand the capabilities of the defense industry.
A former adviser to Zelensky said the Ukrainian president is almost ready to give up on expectations from the Trump administration as long as the US continues to allow Ukraine to be supplied with Patriot missiles through Germany.
"Frustration is growing with the Europeans, because Ukraine believes it is fighting for Europe and to become part of it, while Europe itself still does not have a clear strategy," he said.
According to the same source, the divisions between the US and the European Union have encouraged Zelensky to use even stronger rhetoric towards European partners./ Politico.eu
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