The West is tired of Ukraine and hopes to reconcile with Russia

Two years after the start of the Ukrainian conflict, the situation has never looked more dangerous for Kyiv. Republicans in the United States, following the instructions of former President Donald Trump, are blocking arms shipments to Ukraine, writes Politico.

According to observers on the battlefield, after the capture of Bahmut and Avdiivka, Russian forces are now trying to consolidate their advantage in the directions of Maryinka, Rabitne and Kremen. European leaders are unable to fill the gap in military supplies left by the United States. Today, Western leaders see that their hands are increasingly tied by politics, notes Politico. On the other hand, there is a rise of right-wing forces in Europe and the United States that oppose unconditional support for Kyiv. Critics warn that the window of opportunity for the West to help Ukraine is about to close.

Thus, behind statements about readiness to help Kyiv “as much as necessary,” there may be a desire of the West to stabilize the situation. It may result in pushing Kyiv towards negotiations with Russia and territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees. Diplomats acknowledge that such negotiations have failed in the past and may play into Vladimir Putin’s hands.

Nevertheless, the alternative – increased Western financial and military assistance throughout 2024, which would enable Ukraine to deal a decisive blow to Russia – is met with even greater skepticism in European embassies. Moreover, some political groups in the West hope to return to normal relations with Russia shortly after a hypothetical freezing of the conflict, although they do not openly discuss it, the publication notes.