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| Anton Kulakowskiy |
Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, issued a stark warning, emphasizing that Ukrainians face a "mortal danger" if Western nations don't sustain their financial backing. This comes in the aftermath of Republican senators in the US blocking a crucial aid bill, which aimed to provide over $60 billion (£47.8 billion) in support to Ukraine.
Speaking with Laura Kuenssberg a day after the aid bill setback, Zelenska expressed her concerns, stating, "If the world gets tired, they will simply let us die." Her remarks followed a Russian missile attack, heightening the urgency for international assistance.
Despite warnings from the White House about dwindling US funds for Ukraine, Republicans have stalled a deal to authorize additional aid. Their conditions include seeking compromises from President Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats on funding for US border measures in exchange for their support.
President Biden underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling the failure to agree on Ukraine aid as a "gift" for President Vladimir Putin. He cautioned that history would "judge harshly those who turned their back on freedom's cause."
Nearly two years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska expressed profound concern over delays in financial support. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, she characterized the slowdown in aid as a "mortal danger" for her country. "We really need the help. In simple words, we cannot get tired of this situation because if we do, we die. And if the world gets tired, they will simply let us die," she emphasized.
The First Lady lamented the potential fading of the passionate willingness to help, stating, "It hurts us greatly to see the signs that the passionate willingness to help may fade. It is a matter of life for us. Therefore, it hurts to see that."
The UK has joined the call for action, with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron urging politicians in Washington DC to reach a deal for Ukraine. During a visit to the US, Lord Cameron stressed that the US is the "lynchpin" of the Western coalition supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia. He appealed to the US not to give President Putin a "Christmas present" by blocking the crucial financial support required to sustain the war against Russian forces.
The global perspective on Ukraine appears to be undergoing a shift, with full-throated support in Washington DC no longer assured. Despite this change, the core dynamics of the conflict remain unchanged.
Ukraine, situated on Europe's eastern flank, continues its struggle against Russian forces following the Kremlin's unlawful invasion. In a surprising turn of events in February 2022, Ukraine's armed forces successfully resisted the attempt to overrun the country.
The world was equally surprised by the enthusiastic support from many Western nations. However, sustaining Ukraine's efforts requires more than just initial enthusiasm; it demands ongoing financial and political backing from other countries.
The recent warnings from Ukraine's first lady aim to underscore this critical point. The message is clear: Ukraine cannot endure and defend itself without the sustained wealth and support of the international community. The delicate balance in this conflict necessitates a commitment beyond the initial show of solidarity.
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