Sanctions on Russia due to Ukraine are costly.
Both Germany and France (and most of EU) have record inflation just as the UK.
Russia provides ~40% of EU gas and ~30% of EU oil. Ukraine food exports are significant. A shortage of food and energy is a major driver of inflation.
Alternatives take time to implement - eg: new gas and oil pipelines, port facilities.
Politicians may pay a high price for doing the "right thing". By next winter most of Europe may be struggling with recession, falling real wages, inflation, etc. Those towards the bottom of the economic pile will be cold and hungry.
Politicians with their instinct for survival are inevitably rationalising the justification for concessions.
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