Ukraine's Support Suffers as Electoral Politics and Funding Shortages Persist

Ukraine's support from Western allies is beginning to waver as cracks appear in the pro-Ukraine alliance. In the United States, Congress abandoned plans to provide Ukraine with an additional $6 billion due to internal battles over funding the federal government. Slovakia's recent elections saw the victory of Robert Fico's Smer party, which is seen as pro-Moscow and anti-Kyiv. Hungary and Slovakia are now two EU countries ready to veto further collective EU action to support Ukraine. Poland has also expressed doubts about supporting Ukraine, with the ruling Law and Justice Party promising to halt the import of cheap Ukrainian grain. The global cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency are also diverting attention from Ukraine. Russia aims to wait out the West until Ukraine loses international support and seeks a political settlement. However, EU foreign ministers have visited Kyiv to demonstrate support, and the EU's foreign policy chief has stated that the EU will maintain its military backing. Diplomats argue that the fate of Ukraine has implications beyond its borders, as countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are starting to recognize their stake in the conflict. Ukraine is prepared for potential shifts in Western support, but the real test may come if Donald Trump is re-elected or if compromises are needed for a political settlement.