Kyiv is facing mounting pressure to show a decisive breakthrough in the 19-month war to stave off creeping “fatigue” in the West.

In Europe, Hungary is no longer the lone voice of dissent following the election of Slovakian President Robert Fico, who has pledged to end military aid.

In the US – which has donated the vast majority of the £100billion in military and humanitarian support since the Russian invasion in February last year – the removal of the House speaker Kevin McCarthy has thrown further doubt over the future of aid, with more than half of Republican congressmen and women backing a pause.

The UK has so far contributed around £5billion, and this summer pledged £2.5billion to replenish weapon stocks. But despite the cost-of-living crisis, a poll of 1,200 adults by WeThink found 56 per cent of people say Britain should continue to support Ukraine with military equipment, while 22 per cent disagree.

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: “What this poll illustrates is the importance for politicians across Europe to emphasise the consequences to our own economy if we allow the bully to win.

“As householders in Britain look at the rising prices of oil and gas and food, we need to recognise how influential Russia’s interference in Europe’s security has been and can be.

“It isn’t just morally right to stand up to the bully, it is also critical for our own economy.”

But resolve is beginning to waver, the Tory MP warned.

“I have just returned from the Warsaw security conference where this issue was absolutely at the forefront of everyone’s minds,” he said. “Ukraine fatigue is starting to set in and this is exactly what Putin wants – he wants Western resolve to crumble just at the moment when Ukraine is beginning to make inroads in its counter-offensive.

“If Ukraine isn’t able to make obvious progress, it is possible nations could quietly begin to seek a conclusion to this in the false belief the status quo will return.

“If Putin is allowed to claim some form of victory, the damage he is doing to our security and economy will not end. Russia will rearm, regroup and try again.”

Exiled Ukrainian academic Dr Nadiia Lolina agreed.

“We know why we are fighting. We are fighting to survive,” she said from her new home in London. “And without British and Western support, I don’t know where we would be.

“I do know this: if Putin wins, he will keep going. I have been to Latvia. They are scared. So, while this is a Ukrainian problem now, unless we win, it will be a much wider problem.” The 43-year-old designer told how her life had changed in the 18 months since Russia invaded.

“My husband, Andrii, and I were leading successful, affluent lives in Kyiv.

“But all this has changed, and we have been forced to live apart.”

Nadiia had survived cancer but, as tensions rose, it threatened to return. “I was in remission, but the stress was causing certain symptoms to return,” she said.

In May last year the decision was made for her to leave Ukraine.

With the help of the Council for At-Risk Academics, she was able to secure a post at the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study at the University of London.

CARA has helped some 210 Ukrainians find support from more than 60 universities.

“Though I am safe, so many of the people I love are not,” said Nadiia. “Britain holds a special place in the hearts of Ukrainians and I feel so thankful it is still supporting our struggle.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Source: Read Full Article