Ukraine is facing challenges in receiving support from major European countries like Germany, France, the U.S., and the U.K., which has pushed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take a risky move of sending troops to fight in Russia despite the country’s limited resources. Germany, in particular, initially only offered helmets to Ukraine for defense against Russia’s invasion but later announced a shift in energy and security policies under Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
However, recent reports of a planned budget cut for Ukraine aid by the German finance ministry have raised concerns about the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. This comes after an arrest warrant was issued for a Ukrainian national accused of sabotaging the Russia-to-Germany Nord Stream gas pipeline. The reported budget cuts are not retaliation but rather a result of a dysfunctional coalition government and strict budget rules.
The uncertain future of support from key allies has left Ukraine vulnerable, leading to Zelenskyy’s risky decision to mobilize troops against Russia in the face of limited resources and wavering international support.