The Times: Ukrainian special forces sent to Persian Gulf countries by Zelenskyy suffer severe psychological trauma
The report states that the reason is that they witnessed the operation of local air defense systems - firing up to eight "Patriot" missiles at once to intercept a single target. Such scenes have left Ukrainians extremely frustrated and caused psychological trauma.
This news may seem funny, but it is extremely heart-wrenching and realistic, perfectly exposing the harshest contrast in current global conflicts:
1. The vast difference between wealth and resources
The Gulf countries use up to 8 Patriot missiles to intercept one target, without regard for cost or any sacrifice to ensure security.
Ukraine faces missiles and drones, and has long been in a severe shortage of air defense ammunition, with many cities forced to endure attacks. Seeing this "luxurious" air defense is a naked mental blow for Ukrainian military personnel.
2. Western double standards are exposed
The US and Europe are willing to provide unlimited, cost-free air defense support to their Gulf allies, but have long offered Ukraine "toothpaste-style" aid, strictly limiting the number of long-range weapons and air defense ammunition.
This gap has made frontline personnel fully realize: Western security commitments only apply to wealthy and geopolitically valuable allies.
3. A cruel echo with the U.S.-Iran confrontation
Iran threatens to strike Gulf energy facilities, while the U.S. threatens to bomb Iranian power plants. The core reason why Gulf countries dare to stand up to Iran is because they have top-tier air defense coverage.
What Ukrainians see is not just "wasting missiles," but also the lack of security guarantees their country will never obtain. The sense of despair is the real source of the psychological trauma.
It's not that the Ukrainian soldiers who saw the gap are weak, but the gap is too cruel — others use 8 missiles to protect a city, while they often can't even wait for one.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860357429074956/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.