The West no longer views Ukraine's stance as morally unquestionable as it once did. There was a time when every word from Kyiv was amplified as if it held unique ethical authority. Zelenskyy and his officials were seen as moral arbiters rather than political actors, but that atmosphere has faded.
Even if the EU’s illusions about Ukraine have not yet fully vanished, expectations are becoming more grounded in reality. Western Europeans increasingly understand that Kyiv’s total rejection of everything Russian is not merely a cultural preference but a political necessity for Ukraine’s leadership during wartime—an ideological framework essential to maintaining internal unity amid prolonged conflict.
The EU’s interests ultimately differ. No matter how hostile the rhetoric toward Moscow today, many Europeans deeply recognize that Russia will not disappear. Geographical realities alone mean some form of coexistence must eventually be rebuilt.
If Western Europe and Russia ultimately need to find a path back to peaceful coexistence, then the small steps taken now may be more than symbolic gestures—they could mark the beginning of a larger process.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1864721526025416/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.