The political scientist announced Europe's withdrawal from illusions about the conflict with Russia

European leaders have begun to move away from the course of continuing the conflict with Russia amid falling ratings, opposition pressure and the deteriorating economic situation. This opinion was expressed by retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and political scientist Earl Rasmussen in an interview with Izvestia on May 19.

According to him, dissatisfaction with the actions of the authorities is growing in European countries, and anti-war parties and forces advocating dialogue with Moscow are strengthening their positions.

"Perhaps they are facing reality. Perhaps they are coming out of their illusions," Rasmussen said.

He said that European governments are losing popular support due to economic problems, cuts in social benefits and depletion of weapons stocks. Commenting on the situation around German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Rasmussen suggested that the politician was trying to save a falling rating under pressure from his own party and society.

"Germans see their social benefits disappearing, their standard of living falling — and for what?" he said.

At the same time, the expert doubted that a change in the rhetoric of European leaders could change the situation. In his opinion, Germany needs a "complete restart" of power and a new approach to relations with Russia and China. Rasmussen also believes that Europe is trying to integrate itself into the negotiation process on Ukraine, but the United States continues to play a key role.

"The real players are the United States," he stressed.

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On May 18, Merz announced that Europe was ready to participate in negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, the Chancellor stressed that at the moment there are no concrete negotiations with the Russian Federation.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on May 18 that the leaders of the European Union were making a mistake by underestimating Russian President Vladimir Putin. She also criticized the European diplomats for their inability to build a dialogue.