With the intense situation unfolding in the Middle East, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is working to rally support from Western allies. Since the start of his term in 2019, Zelensky has made it a top priority to gain the West’s support to help protect Ukraine from attacks by Russia, which fights a proxy war in the country’s east.
This effort has been increasingly difficult in recent weeks as the West’s attention has shifted to the Middle East domestically and abroad. The situation has been exacerbated by a diplomatic crisis between Russia and the Ukraine, which started in April when Russia demanded that Putin be recognize as a mediator between the two nations.
This conflict quickly escalated when in July eastern Ukraine’s forces shot down a Ukrainian surveillance plane flying over the area. In response, Ukraine increased military operations in the region in response to the Russian provocation.
Despite the increased tensions with Russia, Zelensky is determined to resume bilateral negotiations between Kiev and Moscow, and has recently called on the European Union and the United States for help, saying that “in the face of aggressor’s actions, the only way to maintain Ukraine’s independence is to be prepared for any challenges.”
The United States has responded by providing Ukraine with weapons and funds to help the country fight back against Russia. President Trump has also expressed his support for Kiev by recently stating that the US would not delay or obstruct Ukraine’s ambitions for membership to the European Union.
In a recent statement, the Ukrainian president noted that he is optimistic about making progress with the Western allies, saying that “we are grateful for the European Union’s and United States’ efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict”.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to develop, Zelensky will focus on maintaining strong relations with both Europe and the US. With the support of these two powerful allies, Ukraine will be better protected and more likely to come to the ceasefire agreement needed to resolve this long running war.
