The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to be a whirlwind of information and misinformation. Daily updates on the conflict, the political maneuvering surrounding it, and international efforts to de-escalate the fighting flood our news feeds. Amidst this chaos, one constant theme emerges — the West's commitment to Ukraine, a commitment that seems to be wavering.
While Russian advances have been limited to incremental gains in territory for months, the situation on the ground has become stagnant, leaving many wondering: "Is this still going on?" The world, seemingly resigned to a protracted conflict, has normalized the political maneuvering surrounding it. This constant stream of news and information makes it challenging to discern if the world shares Ukraine's perspective or if fatigue and indifference have taken hold.
What are the objectives of each side? What sacrifices are they willing to make for victory? The lack of dialogue is palpable, and the overwhelming influx of rhetoric and misinformation hinders our ability to clearly assess each side's strategy. Complicating matters further is the disconnect between the goals set by those in power — those who wield control over resources and the war effort — and the realities of those living through the conflict on the ground.
The war, after all, is being waged upon the Ukrainian people, and their experiences should be prioritized in any discussion of strategies or outcomes. One crucial aspect of this multifaceted conflict is the use of sanctions. While the purpose of economic sanctions is to pressure states into policy changes, those imposed on Russia and its allies appear to have had little effect, likely due to strengthened economic ties with countries such as China. Should the West explore alternative approaches to foster diplomacy and negotiations between the warring parties?
