The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen Russia escalate its military efforts, with the country now possessing 11,000 troops from North Korea and mercenaries from Yemen. However, despite these developments, Western countries have been reluctant to provide full support to Ukraine. The question of whether the West is escalating the conflict by rescinding some limitations on Ukraine’s use of western missiles has sparked debate.
In reality, Western policy towards Ukraine can be described as incrementalism – a gradual release of weaponry that keeps Ukraine afloat but prevents it from gaining a decisive advantage over Russia. This approach is driven by concerns about the cost of the war and the need to avoid escalating tensions with Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
The Biden administration has been particularly cautious, taking steps to avoid provoking Russia despite its increased aggression. The US has provided limited military aid to Ukraine in the past, but sanctions on Russia have been relatively light. This approach has allowed Russia to continue its aggression without facing significant consequences.
To give Ukraine a chance of emerging victorious, it is essential that the West adopts a more effective strategy. This could involve using Russia’s frozen $300bn in reserves, tightening sanctions, and providing military aid to Ukraine. It also requires removing restrictions on the use of western missiles against Russian targets and deploying NATO troops to support Ukrainian forces.
The issue at hand is not just about Ukraine, but also about the implications for other countries in the region. Moldova’s independence from Russia is under threat, and Poland and the Baltic states are maintaining their independence despite Moscow’s efforts to control them. It is time for the West to acknowledge that this war must be fought and won, rather than managed and lost.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/25/who-is-really-escalating-the-war-in-ukraine-it-certainly-isnt-the-west