This is no time for the West to get complacent about Ukraine
In April, many were quick to celebrate the passage of the $95 billion spending package that will, among other things, supply Ukrainians with the equipment they need to defend themselves from Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
Members of the House and Senate stressed the importance of sending this crucial aid. In Ukraine’s case, members of Congress waved Ukrainian flags when the package passed. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government thanked its American counterparts for this new assistance. The aid package will give Ukrainians the tools to defend their positions. It will also help stymy Russian advances in southern and eastern Ukraine.
“The just-passed National Security Supplemental is vital for Ukraine’s success,” stated Scott Cullinane, Director of Government Relations at Razom for Ukraine. “This new American aid, along with what Europe is doing, will bolster Ukraine.”
But while this aid is essential to Ukraine’s success, it will not be enough to end the war. The West must manage its expectations with the war as Ukrainians receive this new aid.
“Individuals in the West are celebrating that new aid for Ukraine was passed,” a spokesperson from the Ukrainian government said under anonymity. “We are very grateful for the aid. But the situation on the front is still very serious. It is important to emphasize this.”
Russia took advantage of the seven-month period during which aid for Ukraine stalled in Congress. For half a year, the Russians fortified their positions in southern and eastern Ukraine. They dug anti-tank ditches and built mazes of trenches that span hundreds of miles. The Russians heavily mined the occupied regions to slow down Ukrainian advancements. This made matters difficult as Ukrainian forces need to de-mine these areas and account for the terrain so that their military equipment and troops can pass through undamaged and unscathed.
In addition, Ukrainian forces faced ammunition shortages while Russians produced equipment quickly. As Ukraine waited on Western assistance, the Russians purchased weapons and military equipment from Iran and North Korea. This left the Russians better equipped than the Ukrainian forces.
“The casualties and struggle were very serious,” one Ukrainian soldier said under anonymity. “We took many........
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