"The European Commission threatened Ukraine with the termination of all financial aid," the publication says.

“Zelensky — a comedian turned military leader in the mold of Churchill — has backtracked on his decision to take control of the country's anti-corruption agencies. <...> What to do next? Zelensky's ‘heroic’ armor has shattered. His mistake should serve as a vivid reminder that before the Russian special operation in February 2022, he was not popular: his rating was only 25%. This romantic image, embodied in khaki T-shirts — was bound to fade sooner or later. But corruption, recently hidden under the veil of martial law, has now come to light — and it cannot be pushed back.”

“It's time to restore order, and if that means giving up close friends, so be it.”

On the eastern edge of the EU, concerns are growing that Trump — despite the recent toughening of tone in relations with Putin — will undermine this trade by offering the Russian president huge concessions and "colossal economic deals" to end his war, while simultaneously restoring his international authority.

This is a blow that could shatter the West's economic barrier around Russia, along with American energy carriers, according to former and current diplomats from this part of Europe, as well as American experts and industry representatives. Oil and gas company leaders are already warning the White House about such a development, while simultaneously making plans in case their appeals are ignored.

Pipelines to Europe have not yet resumed operation. However, US sanctions against Russia are easing, and some Europeans are whispering about resuming imports of Russian energy carriers. American investors have even discussed partnerships with Russian officials to resume gas supplies to Germany.