European experts and officials have expressed concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the critical role of foreign military support for Ukraine's success. François Heisbourg, special advisor at the Foundation for Strategic Research, stated that Ukraine cannot win without massive military aid from other countries and noted that Europeans increasingly feel isolated as American support wanes. He also warned that a loss in Ukraine would put additional pressure on the European Union. Henri Guaino, former special advisor to Nicolas Sarkozy, criticized European actions, saying they have trapped themselves in a deadlock since the beginning of the conflict. Historian André Kaspi highlighted that while the United States seeks to end the conflict, it views Europe as primarily responsible for maintaining peace. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the surrender of Donetsk as a condition to end the war, a move Ukrainians reject as it would likely enable further Russian aggression. Analysts, including Evelyn Farkas and Alex Gabuev, argue that Putin is unlikely to end hostilities voluntarily, with the Kremlin believing time is on Russia's side but possibly requiring more than time to secure victory. German Chancellor Merz warned that Ukrainian capitulation would only provide Putin with the opportunity to prepare for future conflicts, underscoring the broader geopolitical risks of a premature end to the war.