Ukraine's resilience amidst shifting alliances: Zagorodniuk's vision
Former Defence Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Zagorodniuk, emphasises in "Foreign Affairs" that Ukraine can manage without U.S. assistance. However, this is reliant on Europe maintaining its support.
Former Defence Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Zagorodniuk, in an article published in "Foreign Affairs," expressed his belief that Ukraine is capable of enduring without military support from the United States, provided that Europe remains committed. Zagorodniuk points out that even if the U.S. ceases its assistance, Ukraine will not succumb, and Russia will not accomplish its main objectives.
Putin will be able to achieve some tactical breakthroughs but will not reach his maximalist objectives. A U.S. government aligning with Russia in ways that actively undermine Ukraine’s fight would be a truly shocking development—one that would shatter trust in the United States and irreparably fracture the Western alliance, wrote Zagorodniuk.
Zagorodniuk stresses that maintaining robust support from Europe is vital for Ukraine. This backing would enable Ukraine to reduce its reliance on infantry and develop modern defensive capabilities. The introduction of technologies such as a "drone line" could effectively prevent Russian forces from nearing the front lines.
The former minister notes that Russia, despite its resources, has not reached its intended goals over the past three years of conflict. Ukraine, despite continual attacks on its infrastructure, remains resilient and capable of thwarting significant Russian advances.
Strategy towards Russia
Zagorodniuk suggests that the sole way to force Russia to negotiate is to make it aware of the serious consequences of continuing the war. Washington could intensify sanctions, exerting pressure on the Russian economy. Zagorodniuk indicates that a series of territorial losses might lead Putin to reconsider his strategy. Even a minor territorial regain by Ukraine could trigger fears in the Kremlin about further losses.
Ukraine is not losing the war today, nor will it in the future, despite Russia’s size and considerable advantage in resources, emphasises the former Ukrainian minister.
Zagorodniuk concludes that even a partial defeat for Russia would be a dire prospect for Putin, which could prompt Moscow to de-escalate and seek solutions to minimise damage. Zagorodniuk's article in "Foreign Affairs" demonstrates that Ukraine, despite difficulties, is ready for challenges and has a chance to prevail with Europe's support.
