Ukraine resistance to Russian aggression continues, despite Iran war - Steve Cardownie

The war with Russia has just gone past the four-year mark and Ukraine is still holding out in defiance of some commentators misguided predictions. Vladimir Putin’s first mistake was to underestimate the resolve of the Ukrainian people and his second to expect the war to be over and done with, resulting in a Russian victory within a few days.

Yuri told me that the Ukrainian population was still as defiant as ever but there was mounting concern that the world’s eyes had been diverted to Iran and away from Ukraine.

He said that the easing of oil sanctions on Russia had given an unexpected financial boost to Moscow and that did not bode well for Kyiv.

He was also concerned that the supply of weaponry from the USA would be severely impacted as Washington had decided to devote its immediate attention to the Middle East.

Just last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan, all of which have been targeted by Tehran’s ariel attacks. When he was there he volunteered to supply Ukraine’s drone technology and expertise and appealed for assistance in protecting Ukraine from Russian missile attacks. So, no sign from him that he is ready to “throw in the towel.”

This stoical stance was also reflected in my conversation with Yuri. Having served in the Soviet military he never dreamed that Russia would become an enemy, but he has pledged to do all that he can to ensure that Ukraine emerges from this unjust war as the victors.