October 10, 2025 — As Ukraine enters the fourth year of war with Russia, contradictions at the heart of Western policy are being laid bare. While Kyiv reels from one of the most intense waves of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure this year, several of its European allies have paradoxically increased imports of Russian energy — indirectly funding the same war they are arming Ukraine to fight.
Russia’s overnight bombardment left large parts of Kyiv and nine other regions without electricity, water, or heat. At least one child was killed and 20 people injured. Over a million homes and businesses were affected, and critical infrastructure suffered severe damage. Ukraine’s air force reported downing over 400 drones and several missiles, but could not stop the widespread impact. Metro service across the Dnipro River was suspended, and many Kyiv residents found themselves stranded without power, heat, or transport.
“This is exactly what Russia is targeting — energy, homes, and morale ahead of winter,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He appealed to Western allies for immediate delivery of air defense systems and tougher enforcement of sanctions on Moscow.
European Energy Imports Raise Eyebrows
Despite tough rhetoric and substantial military support to Ukraine, several EU countries — including France, the Netherlands, Romania, and Portugal — have increased their imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil in 2025, providing Moscow with billions in revenue. The trend has infuriated critics, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who accuses Europe of “funding both sides of the war.”
“It’s unacceptable to send weapons to Ukraine while handing Moscow energy checks,” Trump said recently.
The ‘Spirit of Alaska’ Fades
Trump’s once-promising diplomacy with Russia is also faltering. Two months after a high-profile summit in Alaska between Trump and President Vladimir Putin — which was supposed to spark U.S.-Russia détente and encourage peace talks — the Kremlin now says momentum has been lost. Russia claims the U.S. hasn’t followed up on promised discussions or concessions.
“There was hope, but Trump has disappointed us,” wrote a pro-Kremlin columnist. Trump’s consideration of sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has further strained ties, prompting threats from Moscow of direct retaliation, including potential nuclear escalation if arms control agreements are abandoned.
Melania Trump’s Surprise Role
Meanwhile, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has stepped into an unlikely diplomatic role. Speaking at the White House, she revealed she has opened a line of communication with Putin over the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Some children have already been returned, and she said more reunifications are expected.
“This remains an ongoing effort,” Melania said, noting she had personally written to Putin and remained in touch.
West Eyes Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine
In a significant shift, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany announced they are preparing to use immobilized Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine’s military. The move, coordinated with the U.S., aims to pressure Moscow to the negotiation table. The assets in question, worth hundreds of billions, have been frozen since early in the conflict.
“We’re ready to act — not just with words but with financial firepower,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after a call with British PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
No Peace in Sight
Despite diplomatic efforts, the prospects for a negotiated peace remain dim. Putin has offered vague reassurances about continuing dialogue with the U.S., but top Russian diplomats are signaling growing pessimism. Zelenskiy, for his part, has rejected any proposal that does not include the full restoration of Ukrainian territory.
As winter approaches, Ukraine braces for more blackouts and bloodshed. The West must now confront the contradictions in its strategy: fighting Russian aggression, funding the Ukrainian resistance, but still keeping parts of Moscow’s economy afloat.
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