Ukraine war could be about to hit its most dangerous point – what UK must do now | World | News
From the moment Russian tanks crossed the Ukrainian border and headed for Kiev, the UK stood firm with its allies to defend a democratic country under attack. Governments changed, world leaders came and went, and new crises emerged; but London’s basic message remained the same.
Ukraine’s sovereignty is unquestionable. And most importantly, British public opinion was equally determined. Blue-yellow flags still hang in town halls and front room windows. Polls consistently show exceptionally high support for President Zelenskyy; These figures would be the envy of any Western leader.
But today Zelenskyy needs more than sympathetic words, symbolic gestures or expressions of admiration. Ukraine may now be entering the decisive phase of this terrible war, and worryingly, the decisive phase may not come on terms that reflect Ukraine’s status as the clear victim of unprovoked aggression.
The combination of battlefield fatigue, a more fragile international environment, Russian disinformation, and American impatience created a treacherous moment. This is exactly where allies should not blink.
Zelenskyy is, without exaggeration, one of the defining war leaders of our time. When Western capitals offered him a quiet evacuation in February 2022, he refused, choosing instead to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the Chief of the General Staff and the closest Ministers as Kiev was laid under siege.
The world remembers his words: “I need ammunition, not a car.” This reflected a rare combination of courage, clarity and moral purpose. Since then, he has moved honorably around the world, touring parliaments and summits incessantly to ensure that Ukraine’s cause does not slip from the conscience of the West as fatigue deepens and attention drifts.
Less appreciated is how Zelenskyy continues to lead today: managing operations under the constant threat of Russian missiles, maintaining morale on the home front, and relying on trusted advisors (especially Andriy Yermak) to ensure Ukraine has a strong say in shaping any future peace deal.
At many points over the last three and a half years, Zelenskyy and his tight circle have been the only thing standing between Ukraine and complete subjugation.
This is precisely why Moscow has made the end of his presidency one of its main demands. Putin understands very well that removing Zelenskyy and the current Ukrainian political leadership is the surest path to a pliable succession, and his long record of meddling in foreign elections speaks for itself.
given Donald TrumpLooking at Russia’s checkered history with Zelenskyy and Ukraine, it’s clear why Russia believes now is the time to step up the pressure. Removing the President of Ukraine has become one of the main goals of Moscow’s maximalist ambitions for the region. This absolutely cannot be allowed to happen.
Britain therefore faces a choice. Will we congratulate ourselves for our years of steadfast support, decide that we have done our part, and step back? Or are we aware that Ukraine is at its most dangerous juncture ever and that our responsibility is deepening rather than diminishing?
Our ally needs more than warm words as we confront Russian aggression abroad, widespread disinformation online and faltering faith in the West. Zelenskyy needs to know that any peace deal the UK and its partners ratify must secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent Putin from attacking again when he regroups and his war machine is renewed.
Ukraine cannot be forced into a solution that will only stop the violence today and invite even greater violence tomorrow.
We must also honestly acknowledge why Britain stands with Zelenskyy, his government and his people, and why we should too. Morally, the situation could not be clearer.
A democratic European country was invaded without cause by an authoritarian neighbor determined to erase its identity. Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do.
But morality is only part of the story. There is also simple strategic self-interest. Russian warships were seen in the English Channel. Moscow has repeatedly probed our defenses and targeted our information space.
Anyone who believes that Putin’s appetites will end there if he is allowed to disintegrate, digest and ultimately destroy Ukraine is deluding himself. The Baltic countries, Poland, Moldova and beyond remain in his sights. A victorious Putin will be emboldened; A defeated Ukraine would send a chilling message about the West’s resolve.
European governments are beginning to grasp the scale of the threat, but very slowly and, in many cases, reluctantly. The UK has often been a leader, but leadership needs to be reaffirmed, not assumed. The truth is clear: Kiev is the front line of a conflict in which Russia is a direct and growing enemy, not a distant geopolitical concern.
Ukraine’s political leadership are ‘our men’ on the front lines. If we fail them now, we lose our own long-term security. Ukraine may be nearing the end of a brutal phase of the war, but it is embarking on an even scarier journey.
Rebuilding a shattered nation, caring for tens of thousands of traumatized children and families, repairing infrastructure, reforming institutions, securing investments and ensuring that any peace solution does not come at the expense of future security or prosperity – this will be the work of decades.
The task is even more complicated given the Kremlin’s malevolent ambitions. But this is very important and Ukraine cannot do it alone. The most dangerous point in any conflict is usually when the guns fall silent.
The temptation for allies, people and politicians is to move on. But this is when authoritarians take advantage of fatigue and division. This is the moment when democratic leaders face pressure to choose the path of least resistance.
And this is the moment when those who stand bravely on the front line run the dangerous risk of being exposed. We cannot let support for Ukraine or President Zelenskyy slide. Not if we value democratic sovereignty. Not if we value Europe’s security. And not if we value ourselves.
This may be the end of the game, but it is not the end of the responsibility. Britain must continue to stand with Zelenskyy and Ukraine, not only until the killings stop, but until a just peace is achieved and a stable future is built.
