The Ukrainian president outlined five different motivations for western countries in relation to Vladimir Putin’s war, as well as why some are hesitant to offer comprehensive support. “There are those in the West who don’t mind a long war because it would mean exhausting Russia, even if it means the demise of Ukraine and the loss of Ukrainian lives,” President Zelensky said.
“Some countries will undoubtedly benefit from this.” Other countries would benefit from a quick end to the war because Russia’s market is so large that their economies are suffering as a result of the conflict.
“They want Russia to keep certain markets.” Other, more affluent countries recognise Nazism in Russia and fervently wish for Ukraine’s victory.
“There are still other countries, smaller countries, that fully support us, but they are more liberal states that are concerned with humanitarian issues.”
“They want the war to end as soon as possible at any cost, because they believe that people come first.” Then there are the countries that want the war to end as soon as possible in any way possible because they are “the Russian Federation’s offices in Europe.”
Which countries is Zelensky referring to?
Recent accompanying comments reveal who President Zelensky is referring to in these ostensibly opposing camps.
Long war to exhaust Russia
President Zelensky has been critical of French President Emmanuel Macron, implying that France is too afraid of Russia to take decisive action.
According to the Ukrainian president, France is not providing military assistance to Ukraine.
President Zelensky stated that this is due to “fear of Russia.” That’s the end of it. And those who are the first to say it are the first to be afraid.”
Short war for the economy
Germany’s reliance on Russia for gas and oil has come under renewed scrutiny since the war began in February, and President Zelensky has attributed this to Germany’s more hesitant approach to supporting Ukraine.
“They’re attempting to strike a balance,” he explained. They have a long history with Russia, and they are viewing the situation through the economic lens.”
“I think the Germans are making a mistake today,” he continued. They make a lot of mistakes, in my opinion.
“I believe the legacy of Germany’s relations with Russia demonstrates this.”
Ukraine victory
President Zelensky praised Boris Johnson for the UK’s response to the war, noting that the UK has already provided £400 million in aid to Ukraine.
“To be honest, Johnson is a leader who is helping more,” he said.
“Countries’ leaders react in response to how their constituents act. Johnson is an example in this case… Britain is unquestionably on our side.
Rapid war to save lives
President Zelensky is present.
President Zelensky is most likely referring to the Baltic states, which have expressed a desire for the war to end as soon and as humanely as possible.
Former Soviet Union countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have all called for a quick end to the war, citing their precarious geographical position and fear of being next on Putin’s hit list.
NATO announced last week that it would send 40,000 additional troops to Russia’s neighbours in an effort to shore up Europe’s defences.
“It isn’t doing a balancing act.” Britain sees no other option for getting out of the situation. Britain wants Ukraine to win and Russia to lose, but I’m not sure if Britain wants the war to continue.”
Quick war to save lives
President Zelensky is most likely referring to the Baltic states, which have expressed a desire for the war to end as soon and as humanely as possible.
Former Soviet Union countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have all called for a quick end to the war, citing their precarious geographical position and fear of being next on Putin’s hit list.
NATO announced last week that it would send 40,000 additional troops to Russia’s neighbours in an effort to shore up Europe’s defences.
Turkey is balancing between Russia and NATO countries, as it is aligned with Russia but has previously sold weapons to Ukraine.
President Erdogan has positioned himself as a go-between between Russia and Ukraine in an effort to soften the Kremlin’s response, establish Turkey as a regional decision-maker, and reestablish relations with its traditional EU allies.
However, as a NATO member, Turkey must be cautious not to make too many concessions to Russia, or else face the wrath of significantly powerful countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.
