ukraine's fight hinges on western aid as russia gains ground
- Ukraine never prepared for war, naively believing in international security institutions. Therefore, unfortunately, it is not capable of protecting the international order and peace in Europe with its own resources. It is Western weapons and funds that form the basis of our continued defense, says Yegor Firsov, former Ukrainian parliamentarian and now a medic helping wounded soldiers on the front line.
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Firsov argues that the best guarantee of peace in Ukraine would not be political assurances, but rather strengthening Ukraine to such an extent that the enemy simply does not dare to attack again.
In his view, even if Donald Trump, after assuming power in the US, significantly limits or completely stops aid to Ukraine, the war will continue. This would simply mean that Ukraine would pay the price in the form of even more casualties and loss of more territories, while Russia grows stronger and approaches NATO borders, Firsov argues.
Meanwhile, as he adds, Western aid, especially military, is significant not only on the front line but also at the future negotiating table. He explains "it is the military reality that will determine Russia's compliance and readiness for compromise."
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- Regardless of our expectations of the Trump administration, both the US and Europe should be interested in strengthening the resources of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Otherwise, negotiations will turn from a constructive conversation into a platform for Russian President Vladimir Putin to issue ultimatums, Firsov says.
- Ukraine never prepared for war, naively believing in international security institutions. Therefore, unfortunately, it is not capable of protecting the international order and peace in Europe with its own resources. It is Western weapons and funds that form the basis of our continued defense, he adds.
The drama of Ukrainians on the front. "We are losing cities"
Firsov is convinced that Putin secretly hopes that soon Western support for Ukraine will begin to wane, and then a Russian victory will be within reach. Especially since with the current support, Ukraine is on the defensive.
- I've been fighting in Donbas for three years, now in the direction of Pokrovsk. And indeed, the situation is such that we are losing cities. Avdiivka, Vuhledar, and Selydove have been lost, and Kostiantynivka, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Toretsk, and Kurakhove are seriously threatened. This means that Russia currently has no motivation to cease hostilities, he concludes.
He emphasizes that the most urgent need is for as many drones as possible. According to him, within the last month alone, drones recorded about 20,000 hits on enemy targets.
- Freezing or truce is not peace. And we should not have illusions that Putin will stop without achieving his goals if he has the means and opportunities, he summarizes.
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Source: Onet/Politico
