Key facts
- European officials are downplaying fears that election outcomes in France and Germany could undermine support for Ukraine.
- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys believes other countries will compensate if some reduce their support for Ukraine.
- Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted Ukraine's urgent needs for air defense and funding.
- Marine Le Pen indicated that France would end "blank cheques" for Ukraine but continue training troops and supplying equipment.
- Germany's AfD party criticizes current support for Ukraine as costly and provocative towards Russia.
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb cited Giorgia Meloni's election in Italy as an example of fears over Ukraine support proving unfounded.
Senior European officials are attempting to allay concerns that potential election victories by parties skeptical of supporting Ukraine could undermine the bloc's commitment to Kyiv. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, officials acknowledged the risks posed by shifting electoral landscapes but maintained that the European Union's resolve would persist.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that while they are monitoring political developments, support for Ukraine would endure, with other nations stepping up if some become less committed. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that focus should remain on Ukraine's immediate needs, particularly regarding air defense capabilities and funding for long-range strikes, as Ukrainian officials expressed worries about the approaching winter.
In France, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen indicated that while her party would continue training Ukrainian troops and supplying military equipment, France would no longer provide "blank cheques" due to financial constraints. This position represents a shift from the party's past stance and suggests a Le Pen presidency might not drastically alter French policy towards Ukraine, despite France being a strong backer. France's bilateral financial aid this year has been in the hundreds of millions of euros.
In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained traction in regional elections and national polls, has criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz's substantial support for Ukraine as costly and provocative. The AfD prioritizes restoring energy ties with Russia.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski noted that while French nationalist forces appear to have a more nuanced understanding, the pro-Russian stance of the German far-right is a concern. Officials also pointed to past instances, such as the election of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where initial fears of diminished Ukraine support proved unfounded, with her government ultimately having positive ramifications for Kyiv.