European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has accused critics of conspiring with Russia to undermine her leadership, as she faces two no-confidence votes in the European Parliament. Amid mounting pressure, von der Leyen claims her detractors are acting as agents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has expressed satisfaction at the growing divisions within the EU. During a speech, von der Ley, claims Putin has been ‘crowing about what he coined as the cracks of the edifice of Europe,’ suggesting he is not hiding his support for figures in Europe who are doing his work. The EU’s top executive faces twin challenges from both left- and right-wing factions in the European Parliament, as the political landscape grows more polarized. Putin’s recent remarks at the Valdai Discussion Club lamented the EU’s shift away from traditional values, noting that former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl once believed Russia and the EU were natural partners. Analysts suggest von der Leyen will likely survive the upcoming confidence votes, but the situation highlights a deepening discontent among lawmakers with the Commission. An EU official noted that there is ‘clear frustration in Parliament toward this Commission,’ indicating a need for reform in the no-confidence process.