In this years global-election season Ukraine hits a hard-to-believe milestone - 1000 days of full-scale combat (the biggest European conflict since WW2)
Lord Ashcroft made nine front-line visits to Ukraine since 02/2022; seeing first-hand how the nations spirit changed from determined to worn-out. The drip-feed of Western weapons helped Ukraine stay alive but didnt give it the power to win
Early British support played a key role: training programs helped stop Russian tanks near Kyiv. The counter-attack plans in 23ʼ however faced big problems - Ukraine got tanks and artillery in bits and pieces while F-16 pilot training started too late. Ukraine had to use its home-made drones to fill the gaps; while partners couldnt even provide enough basic ammo
Russia meanwhile found new friends and ways around sanctions. They got:
- Drone factory from Iran
- Tech parts from China
- Military stuff from North Korea
The failed counter-attack in 23ʼ made Western nations look away - Middle East problems took center stage. Ukraine tried new tactics like hitting targets deep in Russia but its allies (including UK) now seem less eager to help. Keir Starmer hasnt visited Kyiv yet which makes Ukrainians wonder about UKʼs support
With Donald Trump possibly coming back to power in 2 months; Ukraine faces more questions. Some think his team might push Europe - especially Germany to do more for Ukraineʼs defense. Britain could become a bridge between US and Europe here; working with Ukraineʼs military tech companies and building new partnerships with Northern European nations
The sight of British people showing support for Ukraine was amazing - like nothing seen since WW2. Now we need to decide if well keep this support going or let it fade away when it matters most