Why von der Leyen is constrantly attacked

From an interview of Ukrainian diplomat Roman Bessmertny to Roman Pryadun in the Obozrevatel, Oct 9:

"– Ursula von der Leyen is once again fending off attacks against her. This time, two votes of no confidence. It's been reported that she will ultimately survive, but it seems this pressure is becoming a trend. How dangerous is this? After all, Ursula von der Leyen is a very significant figure for Ukraine.

Yes, Ursula von der Leyen is truly a significant figure not only for Ukraine, but also for Germany and all of Europe. After all, most of the key decisions made by the European Union over the past five years, particularly in the areas of defense and security, were initiated by her in collaboration with NATO Secretary Generals, both the previous and the current one, Mark Rutte.

While relations between Stoltenberg and Ursula were traditionally tense, now, with the emergence of the triad—Ursula von der Leyen, the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte—a very strong team has emerged, capable of acting as a unified force. And it is precisely this effectiveness that irritates both left-wing populists and right-wing radicals. Because both camps were essentially nurtured and continue to be supported by the Russian Federation. 

Let me be frank: the far left in Britain, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the left-wing populist movements of Southern Europe, and some of the far right in the North are projects created and supported by Gazprom funds. Some parties, like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), were simply bought out and politically organized according to the Russian model. And support for the far right in France is a whole other story.

Add to this Orbán, Fico, and Babiš – all of them, to varying degrees, are oriented toward Moscow. We've already forgotten what the Tsipras government brought Greece to – it, too, was brought to power with Russia's active support. The result: 90 billion euros in aid to save the country. The same is happening now in France: don't forget where Marine Le Pen and her former National Front came from. They are also a product of Russian influence.  

– So, having certain positions in the European Parliament, these far left and far right are now trying to remove von der Leyen as a central figure, because she is mortally dangerous for them?

Exactly. And here's why: a powerful circle of economists, security, and defense experts has gathered around her. They are the ones who created unique strategic documents—"European Competitiveness," "Europe Readiness 2030," and "The European Armament Plan." Many in the EU were shocked, because until recently, it was believed that the European Union was fundamentally incapable of developing such fundamental security concepts. But most importantly, both left-wing and right-wing populists are Eurosceptics. Some of them have a direct mission—to destroy the European Union from within...  

For the likes of Orbán, Fico, Nawrocký, and Babiš, this is a blow to their corrupt schemes. Any coordination, joint control, or transparency automatically eliminates their internal power flows and shady deals. That's why they're targeting the central figure – von der Leyen...

–  Regarding Trump, I have a question. The day before, the US President emphasized that he had already practically made a decision on providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and "needs to ask a few more questions to confirm how Kyiv intends to use these missiles," which, as we know, can reach the Russian capital. At the same time, Trump emphasized that he does not want escalation. In your opinion, has Trump finally reached that "red line"? Because this isn't just a military issue, but rather a political one: it would signal that the US, and Trump personally, are ready to cross the line. Or is he still standing by, waiting for Putin to return to him—with something?

Unfortunately, Mr. Roman, I can't even evaluate Trump's words positively. And, in fact, the phrase you quoted—"I want to see what the Ukrainians will do with the Tomahawk"—hints at the heart of the matter: the situation is being deliberately drawn out... All of this only strengthens my doubts about Trump's ability to make a final decision. Because he sees that even Ukraine's drone strikes are causing colossal damage to Russia. For him, this is an advantage for one side, meaning an imbalance, which he doesn't want to allow. Trump is balancing, holding the situation together, wrapped in the burqa of a "mediator," although in reality, neither he nor the US are any longer convincing in this mediation.

– So, we shouldn’t expect Putin to suddenly change his mind, slow down the escalation, and agree to at least some “negotiations about negotiations”?

Absolutely. We must make it clear: even if backed into a corner, Putin will not engage in dialogue. For him, negotiations or a ceasefire would mean political and physical death. And he understands this perfectly well.  

The problem is that they don't understand this in Washington. Incidentally, neither do some of the European elite. They still hope: when Russia loses another two or five hundred thousand on the front, when the economy collapses, when the social security fund disappears, then Putin will "get it." This is a profound misunderstanding of the very essence of Russian statehood. They don't understand that Putin is based not on logic, but on the cult of war. And as long as the war continues, this entire kleptocratic clique will hold on. Therefore, either a crushing blow will be dealt that will incinerate this system—and then we can talk about any changes—or we will face endless war."