On September 26, the Center for Public Analytics "Vezha" held an interview with political analyst Ihor Iytorovych, a member of the National League of Centrists, focusing on current developments around the war in Ukraine, statements by Western leaders, and further prospects for support from the US and EU.
The most recent statements by Donald Trump were discussed, noting his stance that the European Union should be the main supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, while the US might remain an observer and coordinator. This rhetoric received a strong reaction from the EU, with the head of the EU diplomatic committee, Kaja Kallas, stating Europe cannot bear the responsibility for supporting Ukraine alone. She called for balance and the avoidance of escalation on European territory.
Risks of conflict escalation, uncertainty of security guarantees from European partners, and references to historical compromises affecting world events were also explored. Iytorovych emphasized that European interests often come first, despite genuine support for Ukraine, and Europeans wish to avoid the war spreading into Europe.
Ukraine’s EU integration prospects were also discussed—the expert believes the process is inevitable, and EU countries will be interested in postwar cooperation, especially in reconstruction. Regarding military assistance, it is predicted that Europe may gradually increase direct financial support for Ukraine’s army, but comprehensive aid depends on negotiations and political will.
The statement by V. Zaluzhny on military strategy and its political context was separately analyzed: there is a lack of open high-level public debate in Ukraine. According to experts, criticism of the counteroffensive is a rational part of analysis since the military followed decisions made by state political leadership.
The interview concludes with reflections on the future balance between Ukraine and Europe in the region’s security architecture. The consensus among experts is that Europe, while pragmatic, is interested in a strong Ukraine but will ultimately set its own priorities first.
