- As people closely follow the global happenings, the majority of us must be feeling fatigued enough to look at the ongoing conflict even cursorily between Russia and Ukraine. The ill-timed and ill-advised move by the Russian strongman Vladimir Putin has severely undermined the global economy on more than one front. Coming close on the heels of the pandemic-induced economic meltdown, the conflict between the two neighbors has further exacerbated the situation leading to catastrophic consequences for the natives. Of course, the cascading effect of the conflict has spread to most of the European and Western countries whose energy requirements emanating from Russia have remained affected. But who cares? Not Putin.
PC: Getty Images
- No strongarm tactics employed by the USA-led efforts like imposing sanctions on Russia, supplying arms & ammunition to Ukraine, and making every attempt to force Russia to back down has yielded limited results. The Russian leadership continues to press ahead with its stated objectives against Ukraine despite mounting pressures from everywhere duly mirrors how ineffective the global leadership has been in curtailing the increasingly costly conflict. Of course, several countries are still showing solidarity with Kyiv even now, but there are ominous signs for Zelenskyy’s government that cannot be ignored. Note that the omission of aid for Ukraine from the stopgap funding bill passed by the US Congress is certainly a setback for Kyiv.
- Also, Slovakia’s election returning pro-Russian leader with the most votes will test the EU’s resolve on the war. As is its wont, Kyiv is downplaying these developments. It says it counts on support from both Democrats and Republicans in the US, and that the outcome of Slovakia’s government formation efforts remains uncertain. But there are growing signs of war fatigue for sure. This was in some ways inevitable as the war drags on and the current Ukrainian counteroffensive makes slow progress. Kyiv needs to make some cold calculations here. The US has already provided $113 billion in aid since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. Many Republicans do not want to fund an endless conflict. Slovakia’s outgoing government was a major supplier of weapons to Kyiv.
PC: IntelliNews
- The incumbent Slovakian leadership campaigned on the promise to end this military aid. Undoubtedly, Ukraine deserves full sympathy for wanting to liberate its territories. But Zelenskyy should carefully consider if he should recalibrate. The reality is Russia won’t collapse soon, although its medium-term future looks bleak. Plus, Putin doesn’t care how many Russian soldiers die. However, Ukraine has a future – as a prospective EU and NATO member. Indeed, there are far more countries willing to help rebuild Ukraine than supply it with weapons Thus, Zelenskyy must start rethinking a diplomatic path to a viable and acceptable ceasefire. This should not preclude iron-clad protection for free and liberated Ukrainian territories. Kyiv must also preserve lies and talent. Only diplomacy can achieve this.
