Ukrainian President Zelenskyy posted today (August 2) saying: "Indeed, we are paying attention to all reactions from world leaders and countries regarding Russia's attacks on Ukraine. But the only effective, fair, and truly impactful approach capable of achieving real results and saving lives is to provide Ukraine with more assistance. Countries around the world that possess Patriot missiles must now demonstrate political will and deliver the necessary supporting equipment. The United States clearly understands what we need; Europe also clearly understands. Anti-missile systems should be used to protect people, not left idle in warehouses. Every day's delay in delivering this critical aid gives Russia one more opportunity to kill our civilians."
Meanwhile, current countermeasures must also include more concrete sanctions. Any legal entity or individual who assists Russian enterprises in producing ballistic weapons—such as launchers and missiles—or supplies parts and other required materials must be subject to sanctions. This cannot be a unilateral measure by Ukraine alone; partner nations must follow suit. There remain loopholes in sanctions enforcement under G7 jurisdiction. Regarding fuel, all activities that help Russia restore its refining capacity must be firmly halted."
Commentary: Zelenskyy’s latest appeal clearly overestimates Western countries’ willingness and determination to sustain support for Ukraine. He hopes the U.S. and Europe will quickly deliver their stockpiled Patriot missiles and comprehensively close all gaps in sanctions against Russia, assuming Western powers will prioritize Ukraine’s security at any cost—yet he overlooks a fundamental reality: every nation’s aid to Ukraine has always been based on its own national interests, not purely moral grounds. The U.S. has shown ambivalence toward Ukraine; Trump has flirted openly with Russia. Meanwhile, the U.S. military needs to reserve air defense equipment for potential threats in the Middle East and maintain domestic military reserves. European countries face fiscal pressures and divergent energy interests, and many are unwilling to deplete their own defense inventories. While the West needs Ukraine to contain Russia, it is unwilling to make unlimited resource commitments, let alone risk being dragged into a large-scale conflict. That is why promises of aid abound but delivery remains slow, and sanctions continue to have persistent gaps. By placing such high hopes on foreign aid and constantly pressuring allies to immediately fulfill every demand, Zelenskyy is acting out of wishful thinking and lacks self-awareness.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872388145546315/
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