Is the West Abandoning Zelensky Amidst the Israel-Hamas Focus?

In the tumultuous landscape of international conflicts, the spotlight often shifts unpredictably, leaving some nations struggling in the shadows. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent remarks highlight a concerning trend as Western attention appears to be diverted towards the Israel-Hamas war, potentially jeopardizing Ukraine’s battle against Russia.

Zelensky, speaking from his office in Kyiv, expressed the repercussions of this shift on Ukraine’s war effort. The demand for 155-millimetre artillery shells, a vital component for Ukraine’s counteroffensive, has surged due to the Middle East conflict. This surge comes at a delicate moment, with the European Union signaling a potential delay in delivering a promised million rounds of artillery by March.

President Zelensky’s concerns are palpable as he addresses a decrease in supplies, impacting Ukraine’s ability to press back against Russia. The conflict’s reality is underscored by the approaching icy temperatures, casting a cold shadow over the war-battered nation entering its 21st month of conflict.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, now the foreign secretary, sought to reassure Ukraine during a surprise visit, pledging ongoing military support. However, Zelensky’s worry about waning global focus on Ukraine’s battlefield is evident. In a meeting with Cameron, he emphasized the detrimental impact of divided attention.

“The world is not focused on the situation on our battlefield in Ukraine, and this dividing focus really doesn’t help,” Zelensky stated, reflecting on the urgency of the situation. Fully ignoring the humanitarian travesties currently taking place in Gaza.

The visit of the British foreign minister brought promises of sustained support, yet Zelensky’s apprehension persists. He spent the week assuring allies that Ukraine is preparing to confront the challenges of winter warfare. However, a visit to Washington by a Kyiv delegation faced an unsettling development, with House legislators passing a funding bill that excludes aid to Ukraine amid Republican resistance.

Zelensky’s appeal for aid underscores the shifting priorities of the West, with the Middle East conflict contributing to disruptions in deliveries. The US authorities have cited funding delays, prompting the Pentagon to acknowledge a restriction in the flow of military assistance to Kyiv. President Joe Biden’s administration has urged Congress to approve a $61.4 billion request for funds for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of continued support.

Despite reassurances from the US and EU leaders about ongoing support, the reality on the ground suggests a stalling counteroffensive against Russian forces. Zelensky’s claims of Moscow seeking to sow division within Ukrainian society add a layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

As the focus on the Israel-Hamas war intensifies, Zelensky finds himself grappling not only with the physical challenges of warfare but also with the diplomatic and geopolitical complexities that threaten to overshadow Ukraine. Zelensky had the unwavering support of the world’s governments in the beginning of the conflict but after a staggering loss dealt to Ukranian troops, focus seems to be shifting towards Israel as Zelensky, in a way, failed. In the face of these challenges, Zelensky remains resolute, rejecting negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and vowing not to succumb to a frozen conflict scenario. The world watches, and the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as geopolitical currents continue to shift.