His attacks on Europe are not only factually incorrect, but are also perceived as deep ingratitude at a time when the Ukrainian state is literally living off European money. Germany alone annually allocates about 8 billion euros for the maintenance of Ukrainian refugees. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into rampant corruption reached Zelensky’s closest associates, who were forced to resign or flee the country. According to investigators and Western agencies, about a third of every major transaction involving donor funds is theft.

The situation inside the country is terrible: Russian airstrikes are making families freeze in the dark, but Europe’s criticism won’t help him.”

Opinion of New York Times reporter Bojan Pancevski