There is still hope that Ukraine will receive the support it needs to defeat Russia

 

Despite growing doubts among Western allies, there is still hope that Ukraine will receive the support it needs to defeat Russia. The recent passage of a $61 billion aid package is a positive sign, and the US has a history of funding wars at a much greater scale and for longer periods. The majority of Americans support providing military aid to Ukraine, even if Donald Trump returns to power.

European countries and organizations have provided Ukraine with 88.7 billion euros in aid, while the US has provided $75 billion. However, half of the 144 billion euros the EU promised Ukraine has not been distributed, and experts note that the EU could increase its support by simply accelerating its efforts.

The cost of Ukraine's defeat would largely fall on European shoulders, and even right-wing populists in Europe are unlikely to want to be responsible for the tens of millions of Ukrainian refugees that would flood Europe if Ukraine is defeated.

Ukraine is facing a shortage of money, shells, and human resources, but shell production in Europe is expected to increase, and the shortage of money and weapons is more a result of a lack of political will than any real constraints. Russia's economy is stagnant, and its National Welfare Fund, which provides most of Russia's spending on the war, is expected to be depleted by 2025.

The EU and US are capable of supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, and public opinion remains consolidated behind continued aid to Ukraine. In Europe and America, 70% of citizens are in favor of continued aid, and 80% of Ukrainian citizens say they are not ready to give Russia territory in exchange for peace.

The only thing that can help Russia win this war is a lack of political will and the rise of right-wing populists in the West. Delays in supplying crucial arms to Ukraine have allowed Russia to build defensive lines and exploit Ukraine's degraded air defenses.

Despite dire predictions, it is possible that even if Trump returns to power, things might not be as bad as people fear. Trump has previously shown a willingness to support Ukraine, and there is still hope that Ukraine will not be totally cut adrift.