Ukraine’s Hybrid War: A Test of Western Resolve
The recent interview with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, by CNN’s Frederick Pleitgen reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has been raging since 2014. Budanov describes the situation as a “hybrid war”, which involves not only conventional military aggression, but also cyberattacks, propaganda, and economic pressure from Russia1. He also expresses his gratitude for the support that Ukraine receives from the United States and other Western allies, especially in terms of weapons, training, and intelligence sharing. He says that Ukraine is ready to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that it has improved its capabilities and reformed its security sector since the start of the war.
However, Budanov also voices his concern about the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, saying that Trump’s claim that he could stop the war in 24 hours is very dangerous and unrealistic. He says that Trump’s peace plan is unknown to Ukraine, and that he fears that Trump would make decisions without consulting Ukraine or taking into account its interests and aspirations. He says that Ukraine wants a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but that it must be based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European choice.
Budanov’s interview highlights the challenges and opportunities that Ukraine faces in its hybrid war with Russia. On one hand, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of Russian aggression, and has received significant support from the West. On the other hand, Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russian interference and influence, and faces uncertainty about the future of US policy and leadership. Ukraine’s hybrid war is not only a test of its own strength and will, but also a test of Western resolve and solidarity.
The West should not underestimate the threat that Russia poses to Ukraine and to the international order. Russia’s hybrid war is not only aimed at undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also at destabilizing the region and the world. Russia’s hybrid war is a challenge to the principles and values that the West stands for, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Russia’s hybrid war is a test of the West’s commitment and credibility to defend its allies and partners, and to uphold the norms and rules that govern the global system.
The West should not abandon Ukraine in its hour of need. The West should continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance and support to counter Russia’s hybrid war, and to enhance its own security and resilience. The West should also maintain a united and coherent stance on Russia, and impose meaningful and effective sanctions and pressure to deter and punish its aggression and violations. The West should also engage in dialogue and diplomacy with Russia, but not at the expense of Ukraine’s interests and aspirations. The West should also support Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but not at the cost of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European choice.
Ukraine’s hybrid war is not only a matter of national survival, but also a matter of regional and global stability. Ukraine’s hybrid war is not only a fight for its own future, but also a fight for the future of the West. Ukraine’s hybrid war is a test of Western resolve, and the West should not fail it.
