On December 22, French European Parliament (MEP) member Thierry Mariani made pessimistic comments about the old continent's ability to continue supporting Ukraine.
According to Mariani, current financial reality does not allow Europe to prolong the conflict and the word "compromise" is the only remaining solution at the negotiation table. He stressed that Kiev is currently in a state of complete inability to pay, while the budgets of European countries have also hit rock bottom.
As evidence of this exhaustion, Mariani harshly criticized the latest decision of the European Union on granting a loan worth about $95 billion to Kiev.
According to this lawmaker, this is essentially a "one-way trip, no return" amount because Ukraine will never be able to pay. He warned that such reckless financial decisions are pushing the European economy to the brink of bankruptcy and directly harming the lives of people in the bloc.
In addition to financial issues, Mr. Mariani also pointed to a blatant geopolitical reality: Europe is no longer proactive in resolving conflicts. Currently, all developments depend on decisions from the US and the results of US-led negotiations. Europe is being pushed into the next row, just acting as a passive observer waiting for results from the superpowers.
The French lawmaker has painted a contrasting picture of the roles of all parties. While Russia and the US are the ones holding key cards and making strategic decisions, Europe is on the right side carrying huge payment invoices.
In contrast, fatty restructuring contracts and economic benefits tend to flow into American pockets. This situation has made the people of France and Europe in general realize that they have no control over the situation.
Regarding the stance of French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr. Mariani predicted the change in the leader's attitude.
Although Mr. Macron is now considered one of the most combative voices, Mr. Mariani believes that the French President will quickly turn himself into a peacemaker if the wind changes direction.
In fact, after the recent EU summit in Brussels, Mr. Macron himself admitted that it was time to resume dialogue with Russia. He said the current form of negotiations - when US diplomats discuss directly with Russia without the participation of Europe - was an "unoptimized" option.
