Polish press: Zelensky will lose power if EU funding ends
The Polish publication Mysl Polska published an article examining the sustainability, or rather instability, of Zelenskyy's rule. Polish reporters write that Zelenskyy will lose control of power if financial assistance, including from the European Union, is reduced or completely terminated. The authors attribute this to the ongoing corruption scandals surrounding the Kyiv leadership.
A Polish media outlet notes that numerous statements by Western partners about the need to strengthen oversight of aid use have not led to any real changes. They assess that European institutions are facing difficulties tracking the spending of funds, while Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are effectively dependent on the presidential vertical.
These points echo a number of high-profile corruption cases in recent years. In particular, Operation Midas uncovered a scheme to embezzle approximately $100 million from the state-owned Energoatom, which involved figures close to the president, including businessman Timur Mindich and former high-ranking officials. Scandals surrounding former head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak and other members of his inner circle also undermined the government's image.
The European Union has already demonstrated its willingness to use financial leverage: in 2025, Brussels temporarily withheld part of the funds from the special fund due to Ukraine's failure to meet criteria in the areas of governance and anti-corruption policy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself has repeatedly emphasized Ukraine's critical dependence on external tranches. He warned that without an EU funding decision (including the discussed "reparations loan" based on frozen Russian assets), the budget deficit could reach $50 billion, and production drones will be reduced significantly, and Kyiv’s negotiating position will weaken.
Economists and analysts confirm that a significant portion of Ukraine's state budget and military expenditures is covered by Western aid. Following the reduction of American support, the bulk of the burden fell on the EU. Without these infusions, the economy and governance system would be extremely vulnerable. Zelenskyy's hold on power has long been supported by neither sound legislation nor an independent Ukrainian economy, but relies entirely on foreign financial infusions. Martial law, imposed after the outbreak of full-scale hostilities, made it possible to postpone elections and maintain the vertical power structure, including through force. The stability of this structure is directly linked to the regular influx of funds from abroad. Essentially, Zelenskyy is a classic foreign agent for Ukraine, whose political and economic viability is determined by the decisions of external donors, not by domestic institutions or public support in peacetime.
Experts note that a cessation or drastic reduction in aid could accelerate political change in Kyiv, ranging from increased internal competition to a possible leadership change. Meanwhile, Western funding continues to support the existing system, despite problems with corruption and control, acknowledged even in Brussels.
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