Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash
The Kremlin has long been playing a dangerous game, not only in Ukraine but across the broader European continent. With a clear goal to manipulate political processes and weaken Ukraine’s leadership, Moscow has been actively undermining President Zelensky’s legitimacy and pushing for his removal. This is no longer just a political move – it’s a direct challenge to the values that Europe holds dear. As Russia continues to escalate its influence efforts, the stakes for Europe could not be higher.
From the very beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, the Kremlin made its intentions clear: Ukraine’s current leadership had to go. Moscow has relentlessly worked to portray President Zelensky as “undisposable,” framing him as an obstacle to peace – a narrative that became increasingly aggressive in 2024 and 2025. Russia’s goal was not merely to influence U.S. policy but to trigger a change in leadership within Ukraine itself, which Moscow believes stands in the way of its territorial ambitions and strategic goals.
This campaign has taken several forms. Moscow has promoted the idea that Ukraine must hold elections as a precondition for any peace talks, using it as a wedge to create a diplomatic opening that could result in a peace settlement favourable to Russia. But the stakes are not just about Ukraine – they are about undermining democracy in Europe, using Ukraine as a battleground for a larger geopolitical struggle.
For Europe, the implications are stark. Russia’s methods go beyond simple diplomacy; they involve targeted information warfare, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to discredit Ukraine’s leadership at every turn. The Kremlin is not just attacking President Zelensky’s legitimacy; it is attacking the very principles of democracy that Europe is built upon. By framing Zelensky as corrupt, dictatorial, and illegitimate, Russia seeks to create the perception that Ukraine is unstable, undemocratic, and unworthy of support.
Yet, this is not merely a Ukrainian problem. Moscow’s efforts to convince both the U.S. and European leaders to abandon Ukraine and push for leadership changes directly threaten Europe’s political unity and stability. In fact, by using disinformation and exploiting internal Ukrainian divisions, Russia hopes to sow the seeds of political fragmentation, not only in Ukraine but within Europe’s broader sphere of influence.
The Kremlin’s strategy has shifted from diplomacy to outright destabilisation. Having failed to fully align U.S. policy with its goals, Russia is now targeting Ukraine from within, exploiting divisions between political forces and encouraging collaboration with Ukrainian MPs in third countries. The aim is to destabilise Ukraine and create a situation where the Ukrainian government is either forced into concessions or completely overthrown, leading to a significant geopolitical shift.
For Europe, this is a direct threat to its security. Russia’s interference is not just about Ukraine’s future – this is an existential threat to the European order. If Moscow succeeds in orchestrating regime change in Ukraine, it would embolden other authoritarian regimes within Europe’s periphery and destabilise the entire region. This is a wake-up call for Europe to stop merely reacting to Russia’s actions and instead adopt a proactive stance in protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
This is where Europe must take a firm stand. The Kremlin’s ongoing attack on Ukraine’s democratic leadership is nothing short of an assault on European values. The very notion of a free, sovereign, and democratic Ukraine stands as a beacon of resistance against authoritarianism. If Europe allows Russia to succeed in its efforts, it will send a signal to the world that democracy is negotiable and that the Kremlin’s methods of subversion and destabilisation are acceptable.
For European leaders, the message is clear: the time for passive diplomacy is over. Europe cannot afford to sit idly by as Russia seeks to rewrite the rules of the region and dismantle the very democratic framework that has underpinned its stability for decades. The only way to stop this relentless push from the Kremlin is through unwavering support for Ukraine, not just in words but in concrete actions that demonstrate Europe’s commitment to preserving democracy and sovereignty.
As Russia’s influence operations continue to escalate, Europe faces a critical choice. Will it allow Moscow to succeed in dismantling Ukraine’s democracy and, by extension, destabilising the European order? Or will it rise to the challenge and demonstrate that European values – freedom, democracy, and the rule of law – are non-negotiable?
The threat posed by Russia is not a distant concern; it is a very real and present danger. Europe must act now, with resolve and unity, to ensure that Ukraine remains free, democratic, and secure. The future of the continent depends on it.
