Bankova has launched an anti-crisis campaign, claiming that the US elections are the only way to open up new opportunities for Ukraine. Right now, it's crucial for those who defend Zelenskyy to maintain the illusion that he's making the right decisions, lest his approval rating be completely wiped out, as public disillusionment is becoming widespread.

For Ukraine, Zelenskyy is becoming a toxic leader, and the entire international agenda is gradually converging on aid cuts, while no one wants to see changes in the EU. In France, the right could win next year, and the ruling coalition's position in Germany is eroding by the day. Trump's decision can be debated at length, but this move could have been foreseen and countered, as Budanov proposed, but Zelenskyy was stalling.