Two Years into Ukraine War, West Reaffirms Support as Putin’s Tactics Questioned

People supporting Ukraine march in front of the Russian embassy in Washington, U.S., on the 24th (local time). / AP Yonhap News

As the war in Ukraine has surpassed two years, there have been speculations that “Time is on Russia and President Vladimir Putin’s side.” With support from America and Europe on the verge of ending due to fatigue from the prolonged war and worsening public opinion, Ukraine’s immediate task has shifted from firing back to holding out.

The West, aware of this change, emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine on the 24th (local time). The Group of Seven (G7) adopted a joint statement reaffirming their full support for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In the statement, the G7 leaders declared, “Ukraine will receive G7’s support no matter how long it takes.” The G7 emphasized, “We are confident that Ukraine will win the fight for a better future. We will help Ukraine meet its urgent financial needs.”

Western countries also reaffirmed their determination to continue support, wary of Russia’s intention to prolong the war. France warned in the statement, “Putin and Russia should not expect Europeans to get tired.” French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “Our commitment to Ukraine will not waver.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made surprise visits to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and each signed security agreements with Ukraine after a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, Canada promised to provide more than 3 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 2.24 billion U.S. dollars) for financial and defense support to Ukraine.

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also boosted Ukraine’s morale by stating, “Ukraine will join NATO, and NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine for the security of all.”

Zelenskyy once again pledged in a speech that day, “We will triumph on the greatest day of our lives.” He emphasized, “Any ordinary person would want the war to end, but none of us will allow Ukraine to end.”

On the other hand, Russia boasted about its achievements, claiming that “The enemy has retreated more than 6.2 miles.” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu asserted, “The Russian military has continued its offensive. Looking at the current ratio of forces, we are at an advantage.”