Europe is bracing for a prolonged war in Ukraine as hopes for a negotiated settlement with Russia fade. With President Donald Trump focused on the conflict in Iran and reluctant to exert sustained pressure on Moscow, European leaders see little prospect of meaningful talks. Analysts say neither Ukraine nor Russia has a clear path to victory, and there is no obvious mediator capable of bringing both sides to an agreement.

In response, the European Union has stepped up its support, approving a 90 billion euro interest free loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets and advancing new sanctions targeting Russia’s economy and oil exports. European officials acknowledge they lack a clear strategy to secure a decisive outcome for Ukraine, instead aiming to sustain Kyiv’s resistance while waiting for potential political or economic shifts in Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has grown increasingly skeptical of American backing and has sought deeper military and diplomatic ties with European and Gulf partners. While Ukraine has managed to hold its ground and inflict damage on Russian infrastructure, neither side feels urgent pressure to settle. With Washington distracted and Moscow unwilling to compromise, a ceasefire or lasting agreement appears distant, and the war continues with no clear end in sight.