The political scientist pointed out the doubts of European countries about helping Ukraine due to the negotiations between the United States and the Russian Federation.

Some European countries are wondering why they should continue financing Ukraine against the background of negotiations between the Russian Federation and the United States. Pavel Feldman, Candidate of Political Sciences, Professor at the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, pointed this out in an interview with Izvestia on March 20.

Earlier in the day, La Stampa newspaper reported that Italy, France, Spain and Portugal had not accepted the €40 billion plan for military assistance to Ukraine proposed by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Callas. According to journalists, the initial amount may drop to € 5 billion, which corresponds to the supply of large-caliber ammunition, which Ukraine urgently needs.

"The reason for cutting military aid to Ukraine from €40 billion to €5 billion is trivial — European countries simply do not have extra budget money. Kiev should interpret this decision as a clear signal that the leaders of the European Union are not ready to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) if American aid programs are curtailed by [US President] Donald Trump," Feldman commented.

He also noted that Brussels has decided to focus on implementing a large-scale rearmament program by 2030, and the increase in defense spending has already led to a reduction in social guarantees and underfunding of civilian sectors of the economy in the EU.

In addition, the source added, the Europeans are closely watching the negotiations between Moscow and Washington.

"They see that the process of peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is gaining momentum. "What is the point of arming Kiev to its detriment if the conflict is nearing an end?" — this is how many EU leaders argue," he concluded.

In the military style: The EU has become the main problem for resolving the conflict in Ukraine

Why are European countries interested in continuing the fighting

The day before, Bloomberg reported that US officials had informed their European counterparts that the EU would have to participate in any peace agreement on Ukraine. The American side considers the association's participation necessary, since Russia wants to achieve the lifting of sanctions imposed by it as part of the deal.

On March 14, Euractiv announced that the EU intends to create a voluntary fund for military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of €20-40 billion to circumvent Hungary's veto. It was specified that each country would contribute to the fund depending on its "economic weight." At the same time, the EU will consider as its contribution €1.9 billion of profits from frozen Russian assets.