The ongoing stand-off between the US and Ukraine has raised concerns about the progress of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. With the much-anticipated counter-offensive stalling and the US and EU struggling to agree on financial and weapons aid, the mood in Kyiv has turned darker. Public confidence in victory is waning, and Ukrainians are yearning for a return to the normalcy they experienced before the invasion. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, recently cancelled a virtual meeting with US lawmakers, signaling a potential failure of an aid package worth $105 billion. The bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine, but due to political disagreements over border measures, Republicans are expected to vote against it. This impending failure further jeopardizes Ukraine’s war effort and the much-needed assistance it requires.
The situation is further complicated by doubts over EU economic assistance and Ukraine’s future prospects of joining the EU. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to veto the proposals, questioning Ukraine’s ability to win against Russia, even with additional aid from Europe. This uncertainty leaves Ukraine’s plans for economic assistance and EU integration in jeopardy. The Ukrainian people, especially those with loved ones serving on the front line, express their desperation for more weapons and increased support from Western nations.
Despite strong backing for Ukraine in the West, obtaining steady support has become increasingly challenging. Ukrainian opposition MP, Oleksiy Goncharenko, laments the agonizing wait for new aid, questioning whether Western support will only last for a limited time. The delay in aid not only hampers Ukraine’s war effort but also benefits Russian President Putin, who has the luxury of time and a vast resource of manpower at his disposal.
Analysts attribute the failure of Ukraine’s counter-offensive to factors such as a lack of air superiority, strategic miscalculations, and heavily fortified Russian defenses. While the current counter-offensive may be coming to an end, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and preparing for a fresh offensive next year. Long-range strikes and localized offensive operations must continue, requiring Ukraine to acquire long-range missiles, drones, and more artillery shells. However, Ukraine faces a significant challenge in matching Russia’s resources and manpower.
In Kyiv, tensions between President Zelensky and his top general, Valery Zaluzhny, add to the complexities of the war effort. Zaluzhny believes the war is at a stalemate, while Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials remain determined to fight. The domestic production of arms in Ukraine has gained momentum, but reliance on weapons and funds from international partners remains critical.
The success of Ukraine’s war effort heavily relies on securing comprehensive and urgent support from the US and EU. Ukrainians are hopeful that the US and EU will be able to overcome their differences and provide the necessary assistance. However, the longer the stand-off continues, the more the Ukrainian people fear the destructive consequences of inaction. As one Kyiv pensioner aptly stated, “Evil must be destroyed,” emphasizing the urgency and importance of international support to end the conflict and bring peace to Ukraine.
The Implications of US Stand-Off on Ukraine’s War Effort
