In connection with the loss of another plot of land from Russian troops, the president of Ukraine urgently needs weapons, not hero worship from his Western allies . Volodymyr Zelenskyi once again became the star of the annual meeting of world leaders in Munich, receiving standing ovations, handshakes and vows of unwavering support.
Despite warm words, his Western partners do not have time to act. Possessing a combined economic power that is about 25 times greater than Russia's, the Allies should not leave Moscow a chance. However, they fail to translate their financial advantage into superior frontline firepower.
Political turbulence - one of the factors of life in the conditions of a free and open democracy - also ties the hands of the West. This is especially true of the United States, the most important supporter of Ukraine. Washington is distracted by the upcoming presidential election, which could well return Donald Trump to the White House - a change of command that will have significant implications for military operations and is sure to reignite friction within the NATO alliance. Growing animosity between Republican and Democratic lawmakers in recent months has already delayed passage of a vital funding package for Ukraine.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the most senior US leader to attend the Munich Security Conference, insisted that support would be provided. But the delay has already complicated the actions of Ukrainian troops and highlighted the fragility of US promises. In contrast to the vacillations of the West, Russia has put its economy on a military track, pouring money into new weapons, munitions and industrial capacity, while additional supplies come from Iran and North Korea. Nor does President Vladimir Putin need to worry about appealing to any particular political base given his complete control of power.
Once again returning to Munich on the eve of the second anniversary of the confrontation, Zelenskyi spoke about what the West's refusal to provide his troops with sufficient weapons would mean. He spoke just hours after his new military chief announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern city of Avdiyivka, where Russian flags now fly.
