Ukraine has testy relations with its European neighbours, so say top officials in its diplomatic units and academics that train the next generation in its Universities at home. The galvanising force of anti-Russia hatred only goes so far as to make them ideologically aligned, but practical realities aren’t yet in synch to put on a strong front.
President Zelenskyy has a tough time ahead because his voters want Europe to emerge united after war and this means reaching out to leaders who even have arguments with themselves. Russia can hope that at least this falls apart if its war ambitions are diminished.
Putin is a key contact for the disaffected, however, and his teams will seek to be disruptive in any prolonged negotiation period. They will pick up on existing tensions and try the patience of the well-meaning. In his view, a divided Europe is as much a win as Ukraine.