Ukraine faces diplomatic pressures amidst growing support from Europe

Zelensky must strike an agreement with Putin or Ukraine would be left to handle the conflict on its own. Praising Zelensky’s resolve, Bayrou said the Ukrainian leader resisted this public pressure, preserving the honor and democratic responsibility of his nation, with implications for the dignity of all Europe.

Elsewhere in Europe, Norway is actively considering significantly increasing its financial support to Ukraine, drawing from its substantial €1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund. Public pressure is mounting on Norwegian authorities, given that the country has very high earnings—roughly €109 billion—from the surge in gas prices triggered by the war. Currently, Norway's Ukrainian aid stands at €3.35 billion, considerably below contributions from neighboring Scandinavian nations Sweden and Denmark. Options now being examined include raising defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, allocating an impressive €85.5 billion in direct assistance to Ukraine, or converting a portion of the fund's liquid assets into European defense bonds to fortify regional military security.

In parallel developments, there has been confusion in media reports regarding U.S. arms supplies to Ukraine. An order reportedly issued by the Trump administration has initiated the suspension of new military assistance funding for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal mentioned further discussions within U.S. circles about halting weapon shipments from American arsenals. However, the Washington Post clarified that the funding halt may involve residual money within existing aid initiatives, and noted that this currently does not impact ongoing paid arms supplies.

The European Union is analyzing a proposal to extend financial aid to Hungary and Slovakia aimed at facilitating their access to gas supplies unrelated to Russia by the next winter. According to Bloomberg sources, consideration is being given to storing this gas in Ukrainian storage hubs before distributing it to Central and Eastern European countries historically dependent on Russian fuel supplies.

Additionally, Ukraine's strategy remains focused on safeguarding the country by maintaining its current stance and creating conditions conducive to diplomatic resolution. Zelensky has stated clearly that Ukraine desires an honorable peace rather than an endless conflict.

On the diplomatic front, Valery Zaluzhny has been named Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized UN agency dedicated to ensuring maritime safety, environmental protection, and well-regulated international shipping. Zaluzhny will fulfill his new responsibilities concurrently with his role as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom.