Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has expressed concern over a growing sense of “fatigue” among Western countries regarding their support for Ukraine, suggesting that attention has shifted from the conflict in Europe to the war in the Middle East.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Valtonen acknowledged that Western countries are increasingly looking for a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict, noting that some resources and focus have been diverted to the Middle East crisis. She emphasized the importance of sustained Western support for Ukraine, warning that a Russian victory would undermine the credibility of European deterrence.
Valtonen highlighted the need for a sufficient level of support for Ukraine, stating that many countries are seeking a solution to the conflict amidst the unfolding situation in the Middle East. She acknowledged that the scale of Western military aid packages has been decreasing in recent months, as some key backers have experienced dwindling arms stockpiles. The delivery of aid has also been hampered by internal political disagreements and bureaucratic delays.
Germany, a leading supporter of Ukraine within the European Union, has reportedly exhausted its supply of heavy weaponry, according to German tabloid Bild. Meanwhile, the United States faces challenges in replenishing its own arms stockpiles following significant supplies to Ukraine, with Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledging that American resources are not unlimited.
Singh cited the need to strengthen the defense industrial base and address other pressing security concerns, including supporting Israel and maintaining a presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Ukrainian officials have linked the delays in weapons deliveries to setbacks in the battlefield, where Russian forces have been making advances in the Donbas region and launched an offensive to recapture Ukrainian-occupied territory in Russia’s Kursk region.
Russian forces have captured numerous settlements in recent weeks, including the strategically important town of Ugledar. Ukrainian officials have urged Western partners to maintain their support, warning against succumbing to “fatigue” and emphasizing the importance of continued assistance for Ukraine’s war effort.