《Ukraine: How to Navigate as Cannon Fodder in Great Power Rivalry?》
The war in Ukraine has been truly devastating, with three years of bloodshed and countless lives lost. Yet, after just a few hours of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, the situation was settled, leaving Ukraine with no opportunity to speak up, as if it were merely a pawn for the great powers.
In 2014, Ukraine and Russia completely fell out, and the U.S. seized the opportunity to pull Ukraine towards the West, providing weapons but not troops, clearly setting it up as a target. Ukraine was too trusting, believing it would gain support, only to become cannon fodder instead. In pursuit of security, Russia brought the flames of war to Ukraine's doorstep.
Initially, European countries actively sanctioned Russia and supported Ukraine, but when the natural gas supply was cut off, electricity prices and living costs skyrocketed, leaving the populace in distress. The essence of this war is the struggle between the U.S. and Russia: the U.S. aims to suppress Russia, Russia seeks to assert its power, Europe wants to reap benefits, while Ukraine confusingly became a pawn. The U.S. provided weapons but left at a critical moment; Russia bombed Ukraine into ruins for self-preservation. During ceasefire negotiations, once the U.S. and Russia finished their discussions, the decisions were made, leaving Ukraine with no say.
Now, Ukraine has been devastated and is burdened with debt. Some online suggest siding with Russia and electing a new president to cancel the debt and preserve land and people, but this is easier said than done. Russia's stance is uncertain, the international community may not recognize it, and the people of Ukraine find it difficult to swallow this bitter pill.
Continuing to fight is not feasible for Ukraine, relying on the West is unrealistic, and depending on Russia is unreliable, while being able to navigate between powers is also challenging. It must calm down, stop being led by others, and find a path that truly suits itself. In the eyes of great powers, small countries are often pawns; Ukraine is not the first victim and will not be the last; it must pave its own way.
