We have what we have. At first there were adversities, Western hesitations and lack of agreement on what assistance to Ukraine should look like. Many opportunities for decisive action were wasted and Russia's aggression was not stopped.
The support from Western friends, although inconsistent and insufficient, was appreciated in Kiev. Ukraine has gained courage, for four years it has been resisting, fighting and holding strong despite the much greater strength of the Russian invader.
We have witnessed a terrible war waged by the Putin regime that has cost the lives of tens of thousands of people, destroyed many cities and towns, displaced millions of people and undermined the international order.
This is an offensive not only against Ukraine, but also against Europe, the free world and the international order as we know it.
We have seen how the supposedly weaker Ukraine, with the help of the West, rises to the occasion and, despite the heavy blows it has suffered, repels the attacks of the Russian invaders.
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Moreover, by adapting to its role as defender of a democratic Europe and the free world, it has changed Europe, making it aware of its harsh realities and forcing it to prepare not only for the worst, but also to address what is currently at stake.
The United States under Donald Trump has not been very helpful so far. Unfortunately, they only complicated matters. His administration sought not only to appease the Putin regime, but also to strike lucrative deals with it at the expense of others.
Worst of all, Trump insists that Ukraine, not Russia, make the compromises necessary to reach a peace agreement that suit him. Putin too.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders have tried to make the best of this worrying situation, but it is clear that their understanding and patience are running out.
Ukrainians and their supporters ask Trump if he is on the side of Ukraine and Europe [z wyjątkiem Viktora Orbana z Węgier i Roberta Fico ze Słowacji]or whether he wants to further destroy America's reputation.
Fortunately, despite the complications, there are factors favoring Ukraine.
The West understood
Russia's offensive against Ukraine was to last only a few days, and the Kremlin flag was to be raised in Kiev. Russia's embarrassing invasion was repelled. It quickly turned out that Moscow was much weaker than it had assumed.
Military defeats are taking their toll. I mean the significant human losses and difficulties in replacing them, the economic impact of international sanctions and isolation rollercoaster in the country and the resulting difficulties. However, Putin is primarily hurt by Ukraine's ability to strike at the very heart of Russia, i.e. its energy and oil infrastructure.
The easy victory that Putin hinted at in early 2022 has turned into a nightmare — a trek through a minefield.
Europe is finally realizing the risk and scale of threats posed by Russia. The change in mentality was accelerated by the withdrawal of the United States. The West has realized that it must increase responsibility for its security and future. He also abandoned any illusion that Russia is a stable partner by becoming independent from Russian energy supplies.
As a result, Moscow was left to its own devices and forced to rely on its pragmatic or opportunistic friends – China, India and similar countries.
In the meantime, important questions have arisen about the future place of a democratic, European Ukraine in the geopolitical puzzle. And, even more broadly, what new security architecture is needed to meet the challenges posed by Moscow. These are challenges that Kiev, thanks to its courageous attitude, tried to explain and to which it tried to respond.
Four years after Putin's Russia shocked the free world by behaving like Hitler's Germany and launching a blitzkrieg against peaceful Ukraine, it is more important than ever to dispel all illusions and doubts. And noticing the criminal actions of the Kremlin. And the appropriate response.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
