Shukr, in a conversation with “Sputnik” radio, pointed out “the American confusion regarding Moscow’s success, the Russian-Chinese rapprochement, the meetings held within the Shanghai Summit, and the Europeans’ attempt to find a foothold on the international stage and play a role in the negotiation process to end the conflict in Ukraine.” He noted that “Trump is taking advantage of the European reality to enhance pressure.” He explained that “Zelensky is aligned with the European stance and conforms to the American position,” highlighting that “European rhetoric is populist and the European stance is practically an extension of the American decision, and no European country can take an escalatory step as it would shift the conflict to other paths.” The international relations researcher believes that “French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to give Europe additional momentum by proposing, aiming for his country to have a leading role in the European Union.” Shukr confirmed that “Zelensky’s experience was one of the worst among countries in the Russian sphere of influence, and the reordering of the Ukrainian geopolitical reality in Europe is a result of Zelensky’s lack of wisdom in respecting historical relations and good neighborliness with Russia, and the potential to benefit positively from the European Union.”
