Russian-aligned forces finish first in France, Italy in European Parliament vote

As projected, populist-nationalist forces – many of which
are aligned with Russia – made significant gains in the European Parliament
elections held throughout last week, with voting concluding on May 26. These
forces gained at least 100 seats in the 751-seat legislature, as reported by
the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. The Russian-aligned National Rally party
finished in first place in France, earning 22 seats (two less than in 2014), as
reported by the europeelects.eu news site. In Italy, the Russian-aligned La
Lega party gained the top result, earning 25 MEPs (compared to seven in 2014).
Perhaps the biggest story was the overwhelming result in Great Britain of the
newly launched Brexit Party, which gained 29 MEPs compared to about 13 MEPs for
the runner up, the Liberal Democrats.

Zenon Zawada: These election results merely encourage Russian President Putin in his
military aggression and hybrid war against Ukrainian statehood. Putin
understands that with each passing year, he will have more support in Europe,
particularly in removing Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the Western
establishment. So with the political tide in Putin’s favor, Zelenskiy can
expect no breakthrough in ending Russian aggression. He must either continue
the course set by former President Poroshenko in depending on the West (especially
the IMF), or capitulate to Russia.