Ukraine confronts a future without America, and perhaps Zelensky

Zelensky's meeting with European leaders in London will illuminate how much credibility he really has left

- 

HE NEWS from Washington reached Ukraine in real time. In all corners of the country—in offices and trenches, cafes and factories—people watched President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance attack Volodymyr Zelensky, with claims that he had been "disrespectful". On the front lines, amid artillery duels and explosions, those who could turned to messaging apps to express their anguish at the deliberate humiliation of their president. "Andriy", an officer in a secret unit with access to the chats, says Mr Zelensky's rating has been boosted among soldiers. "I don't remember the last time someone said, this is over, time to pack up. On the contrary, everyone is saying Sanych [a nickname for Mr Zelensky] has done well."

Yet the disaster in the Oval office has also raised fears that America might now move to choke off support for Ukraine, and questions about whether Europe could ever compensate. Among Ukraine's stunned elite there is a growing debate about whether Mr Zelensky is still the right person to lead the country. According to one former diplomat, "Zelensky's demise is now inevitable...because he is inconveniently stubborn and basically got hated by both Trump and Putin. They both need someone submissive in Ukraine."

Mr Zelensky has now landed in Britain and is due to meet Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, on the afternoon of March 1st. The day after both will attend a summit with European leaders in London. Those leaders have made public statements backing Mr Zelensky. But the meeting will illuminate how much credibility Mr Zelensky really has left and whether Europe has the resolve to attempt to militarily support Ukraine without full American backing. Ukraine's hero is in danger of becoming a tragic figure.