Brussels/Moscow, August 2025 – As European leaders renew their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of high-level summits, Russian President Vladimir Putin strengthens ties with his own allies – further widening the gap between East and West regarding how best to end Ukraine’s conflict.
Recent weeks, EU member states have significantly strengthened both political and military ties with Ukraine. Brussels announced the creation of a multi-billion euro reconstruction fund while NATO countries expedited delivery of air defense systems and artillery ammunition, sending a clear message: Ukraine won’t stand alone.
Europe’s security depends on Ukraine’s survival,” according to a senior EU diplomat. Our united front is sending an important message that aggression will not be rewarded in Moscow.
Zelensky will attend this week’s European Council summit and has encouraged his allies to exert maximum pressure against Russia, warning that any sign of softening could embolden Moscow. Leaders from Germany, France and Poland have all voiced similar sentiments, stressing continued support not only for Ukraine but also as essential for upholding Europe’s collective defense credibility.
Faced with this united front, President Vladimir Putin has responded by increasing outreach efforts towards Russia’s partners across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Over the last month alone he has hosted delegations from China and Iran; sealed new energy deals with Gulf states; and strengthened military cooperation with Belarus.
Kremlin officials argue that Western sanctions have only reinforced Russia’s move away from Western markets. A representative from Russia stated, “The West seeks to isolate us, while instead we are creating a multipolar order.”
Moscow has also sought diplomatic support from countries critical of NATO expansion, depicting Russia’s campaign as resistance against what it sees as Western dominance. Analysts note this effort aims to offset any economic or political ramifications caused by European solidarity towards Kyiv.
Europe and Russia have engaged in an intensified rivalry for global influence, courting nations in Latin America, Africa and South Asia with promises of investment, energy security and defense cooperation.
“Putin is working hard to show his nation is not isolated, while Zelensky tries to show that democratic forces back him,” according to an analyst in London. The battles being fought out on both fronts are just as fiercely waged in terms of alliances.
Although Europe has made renewed pledges, deep divisions remain over its long-term strategy. Some governments worry about the economic implications of sustained aid while others argue that only exerting pressure can bring Russia to negotiate in good faith.
Putin can find temporary relief from Western sanctions through alliances outside the West; however, this cannot fully replace access to European markets and technology. By emphasizing its strong ties with Beijing, Tehran, and other partners outside Europe, he Kremlin hopes to demonstrate resilience and undermine Western narratives.
As Zelensky meets with European leaders and Putin cultivates allies abroad, observers predict an increasingly heated battle. The outcome could not only determine Ukraine’s fate but could alter global power dynamics for years to come.