After announcing a £2.5 billion aid package for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprise visit to Kiev.[i] Officials have stated that the £2.5 billion package will provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and maritime security. At a time when Western support for Ukraine is being questioned, Rishi Sunak emphasized that the UK’s assistance to Kiev is ongoing.
During a period when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for increased support from Western allies, the UK demonstrated its commitment by responding to this appeal, affirming that it would not leave Ukraine alone. The Prime Minister of the UK expressed solidarity, stating that they would stand by Ukraine in its darkest days and emphasized that the security of Ukraine is equivalent to the security of the United Kingdom.[ii]
In recent times, one of the most significant debates in Europe revolves around the future of military and financial support to Ukraine. It is worth recalling that the financial aid package that the European Union sought to offer to Ukraine was obstructed by Hungary. Additionally, countries such as Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, and Italy, arguing that their national economies are of greater importance, have begun to question any new assistance to Ukraine. This highlights the differing opinions and priorities among European nations regarding support for Ukraine in the face of geopolitical challenges.
A similar situation is unfolding in the United States. Republicans in the Senate blocked an emergency bill in December 2023 that aimed to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine.[iii] As of now, the United States has ceased the shipment of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.[iv] White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby stated, “It is crucial for the U.S. Congress to take action on this additional budget request related to national security for Ukraine so that we can receive more funding. The assistance we provide has now come to a halt.”.[v]
While debates continue within the U.S. domestic politics regarding withdrawing support for Ukraine, the repercussions are extending to Europe. Republicans are calculating that if they cut military and financial aid to Ukraine, Russia would likely prevail in the conflict. Many European countries are also starting to believe that Ukraine may not have the sustained ammunition and resources to continue the fight. It is anticipated that Russia’s financial and military capabilities would be sufficient to either win the war or maintain control over the territories it has seized.
The United States and Continental Europe are now almost in consensus that Ukraine is unlikely to win this war. On the other hand, a Russian victory in this conflict would signify a defeat for the West. At this critical juncture, there seems to be a divergence of views between the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the future of Ukraine. It is known that Republicans are questioning their support for NATO, expressing disinterest in European security concerns, and scrutinizing the war with Russia. In other words, Republicans are desiring a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine and for Kiev to engage in negotiations with Moscow under current conditions.
Ukraine is expressing concerns about the risk of losing the war against Russia if American military aid is cut. Despite this, the noteworthy increase in support from the United Kingdom is drawing attention. From the very beginning of the war, London has been advocating for delivering a significant blow to Moscow in this conflict. In fact, the strategy of Ukraine initiating an attack against Russia could be attributed to the United Kingdom. Washington has long been aligning itself with this policy set by London. At this point, it is possible that the United States and the United Kingdom find themselves in a competitive or confrontational stance regarding the future of Ukraine. While calling for unity in the West on the issue of Ukraine, the UK emphasizes that the security of Europe is equivalent to that of the United States.
Despite setbacks in the United States, the reiteration of support from the United Kingdom to Ukraine signals significant shifts in world politics. The UK does not want Ukraine to surrender to Russia. Washington, on the other hand, is uncomfortable with the prolonged crisis in Europe and aims to focus on combating its identified “singular global competitor,” China. In the current situation, the war in Ukraine is damaging the international standing and image of the United States. Continuing this conflict with Russia may begin to harm the national interests of the United States. The United Kingdom may not be providing sufficient support to the United States in its policies in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in its strategy of containing China. As a result, the U.S. might be hesitant to offer the support it desires from the UK in terms of European security. After all, Russia is more of a primary adversary for the UK rather than the U.S., whose primary competitor, as mentioned earlier, is China. There appears to be a need for a new strategy in the struggle against Russia and China between these two major Anglo-Saxon powers.
[i] “Russia Attacks ‘Arrogant British’ After Sunak Visits Ukraine to Announce New Aid”, Sky, https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-visits-kyiv-as-uk-signs-security-agreement-with-ukraine-13046583, (Accessed: 08.12.2023).
[ii] “Britain To Increase Ukraine Support To £2.5bn, Rishi Sunak Announces”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67954152, (Accessed: 08.12.2023).
[iii] “Senate Republicans Block Emergency Bill Providing Aid to Israel and Ukraine”, Channel 4, https://www.channel4.com/news/senate-republicans-block-emergency-bill-providing-aid-to-israel-and-ukraine, (Accessed: 08.12.2023).
[iv] “ABD, Ukrayna’ya Silah Ve Askeri Teçhizat Tedarikini Durdurdu”, Report, https://report.az/ru/drugie-strany/ssha-prekratili-postavki-oruzhiya-i-voennoj-tehniki-ukraine/, (Accessed: 08.12.2023).
[v] Ibıd.
