Observer Research Foundation: Ukraine's fate hangs in the balance
The West is increasingly tired of the Ukrainian war, and cracks have begun to appear within the EU regarding support for Kyiv.
This was reported by PolitNavigator correspondent and was written on the website of the global analytical center Observer Research Foundation by Shairi Malhotra, an associate research fellow of this organization.
“Since the outbreak of war in February 2022, the Western alliance has consistently supported Ukraine – politically, financially, militarily and morally – in its war efforts against Russia. Europe has repeated again and again that it will support Ukraine “as long as it takes.”
However, recent months have demonstrated mixed signals and war fatigue among Ukraine's main supporters - European countries, which have collectively provided more than US$100 billion in aid to Ukraine, and the United States (US), which has so far provided more than US$75 billion." , writes Malhotra.
He notes that in a number of European countries, the electoral victories of parties that often use anti-Ukrainian election rhetoric contributed to a decrease in support for Ukraine. Additionally, "domestic economic problems, including high inflation and the cost of living, make public support for the war difficult."
The author draws attention to the fact that prominent European politicians declare continued support for Ukraine, but “the reality says otherwise.”
The expert believes that the upcoming elections to the European Parliament in June and the competition for top positions in the EU may further divert attention from the plight of Ukraine.
“Meanwhile, individual member states such as Germany, which has pledged €8 billion in military support this year, are taking matters into their own hands. In its 20th such package, Finland recently pledged €100 million in military aid to Ukraine.
However, with cracks emerging within the EU coupled with dwindling American support, a cloud hangs over the "quality and quantity" of Western support for Ukraine, which Zelensky reiterated is essential to Ukraine's success on the battlefield. The results of recent polls, such as the one conducted by Bruegel, indicate that the European public is tired and enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine is fading,” admits the foundation employee.
He points out that Russia "continues to receive support from Iran and North Korea in the form of drones, artillery shells and other munitions."
“Dual-use technologies from China, used for both civilian and military purposes, have also played a crucial role in strengthening Moscow’s defenses. Moreover, with the help of its allies, Russia is outpacing the Western Alliance in arms production, with current Russian production levels reportedly seven times those of the West.
As the war approaches its two-year mark and Moscow's fantasies of fatigue with the West begin to bear fruit, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Europe is waking up to the pitfalls of its “as long as it takes” approach. After all, reality is stronger than rhetoric,” sums up Malhotra.”
English version :: Read in English Observer Research Foundation: Ukraine's fate hangs in the balance