The Deteriorating Situation in Ukraine: A Deepening Crisis
In recent weeks, one of the most alarming shortages in Ukraine has been not just supplies but a lack of robust adjectives to describe the unfolding tragedy. Just over two weeks ago, I penned an article highlighting the shock and disbelief among Ukrainians following Donald Trump’s apparent abandonment of their cause. That moment marked one of the darkest periods since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
Yet, astonishingly, the atmosphere has grown even more somber. The recent Oval Office meeting featuring Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky left many Ukrainians utterly astonished. The Kyiv Independent sought reactions from Ukrainian soldiers, and the responses were striking. One soldier remarked, “We earned our right to be heard in the world through the sacrifices made by our brave troops,” while another expressed disbelief at Zelensky’s restraint, stating, “I don’t understand how Zelensky managed to refrain from slapping him.”
Since that meeting, Trump, Vance, and even Elon Musk have intensified their efforts to undermine Zelensky, echoing the original goals set forth by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Just when it seemed things couldn’t deteriorate further, Trump announced a halt to military support and intelligence sharing.
The question arises: Why would Trump engage in such actions? The situation has become so dire that British MPs and American legislators are now openly questioning whether Trump could be a Russian asset. What was once dismissed as a conspiracy theory has morphed into a plausible explanation for many Ukrainians and observers worldwide. Even if Trump hasn’t been covertly groomed by the KGB over the years, his actions certainly suggest he is operating as though he has.
In addition to the aforementioned issues, the Trump administration has dismantled task forces aimed at combating Russian influence within American politics and has frozen the assets of Russian oligarchs. The US Defense Secretary has even ordered a suspension of cyber operations targeting Russia.
In a mere six weeks, Trump has seemingly granted Putin everything he could desire—including, potentially, full control over Ukraine. Remarkably, Russia has not had to yield a single concession to achieve this. The only entity facing the consequences is Ukraine, which, in the words of Trump’s Ukraine peace envoy Keith Kellogg, is being “beaten into submission like a mule with a 2×4 across the nose.”
As I write this amidst yet another air raid alert, the reality is stark: Russia has launched 252 missiles and drones—what Trump might refer to as “peace signals”—targeting cities throughout Ukraine and repeatedly striking civilian infrastructure. During a recent vox pop on the streets of Kyiv, a young student implored Trump, saying, “You need to change your ways now, or there will be no people left to actually enjoy the peace you want in Ukraine.”
Yet, amidst the despair, there is a strange sense of relief here. While Ukraine can no longer depend on the US, clarity has emerged regarding its position. This shocking reality has, surprisingly, galvanized European leaders into action.
Europe’s Response and the Call for Leadership
In my previous column, I emphasized the need for Europe to step up and take the reins. Remarkably, and at a pace that defies the usual slow-moving nature of continental politics, it seems to be happening. Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership has largely gone unnoticed in Ukraine, but his proactive stance in addressing Trump’s threats and advocating for increased defense spending has begun to earn him respect as a world leader who comprehends the severity of Russia’s threat. However, he still faces an uphill battle to match the popularity of Boris Johnson.
It’s challenging to gauge how this crisis is perceived in the UK, but I sense the gravity of the situation has yet to truly sink in. We are witnessing nothing less than a complete reconfiguration of the global order that has defined our lives. The safety and security that once seemed guaranteed within the democratic West are now precarious.
Of course, the actions taken by Trump against Ukraine could be interpreted as mere pressure tactics to secure a mineral deal. Nevertheless, the damage has already been inflicted. The UK and Europe can no longer place their trust solely in the US. If they fail to enhance their own defenses, they leave themselves vulnerable.
In this context, Ukraine serves as a harbinger of what could occur if democracies do not act collectively to protect one another against authoritarianism.
Chris York is the news operations editor at the Kyiv Independent.
