How the West’s Hesitation is Undermining Ukraine’s Fight for Survival
The West’s promises to Ukraine, once bold and unwavering, now seem fragile and conditional, leaving Kyiv to face a brutal war with fading support.
For nearly two years, Ukraine has fought a war of survival, defending its sovereignty against an unrelenting Russian onslaught. In the early days of the full-scale invasion, the West appeared resolute, standing behind Ukraine with an unprecedented show of unity and support. Promises of unwavering assistance, soaring rhetoric about defending democracy, and bold pledges of military aid flooded in from capitals across Europe and the United States. The message was clear: Ukraine would not stand alone in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Yet, as the war grinds on, those promises appear increasingly fragile. What was once a seemingly unbreakable bond between Ukraine and its Western allies has begun to show cracks, exposing a hard reality that Kyiv may not have anticipated. The star power of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who once captivated audiences in Washington, Brussels, and London with his impassioned pleas for aid, has noticeably dimmed. His recent visit to Washington DC, a city where he was once greeted with rapturous applause, was a sobering reminder of how far the mood has shifted. Behind closed doors, Zelensky met with a handful of lawmakers, his reception far more muted than the standing-room-only gatherings that once accompanied his appearances. The enthusiasm that had once characterised the West’s commitment to Ukraine has given way to a more cautious, reserved stance.

In an article published by The New York Times, it was reported that Zelensky’s reception on Capitol Hill was a far cry from the hero’s welcome he had received less than two years earlier.
"His reception on Thursday was far more muted, as a few dozen lawmakers huddled with him behind closed doors while the speaker of the House snubbed him," the article stated.
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