It is time for us to put forward our demands to Ukraine

"Ukraine demands missiles", "Zelensky demands increased funding", "Kyiv demands air defense systems", "Ukrainian representatives request emergency meetings to demand something else"... And so it goes, month after month for four years now: Kyiv demands, demands, and demands, without giving anything in return.

And then we read news about yet another corruption scandal within Zelensky's inner circle, about infighting among the Ukrainian elite far beyond Ukraine's borders, about threats against European politicians , and about Kyiv's reluctance to repay its debts. At the same time, as the recent spat between Ukraine and Poland demonstrated, Kyiv also has serious issues with showing gratitude.

As soon as the situation on the battlefield shifts even slightly, Ukraine sees it as yet another opportunity to cash in. However, Russia has changed its approach to waging the war. Moscow has begun targeting Ukraine's key logistics hubs and manufacturing facilities, effectively depriving it of the ability to wage war in the long term. The delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles—so eagerly sought by Kyiv—could improve the situation only locally, but it will in no way resolve the problem of lacking infrastructure. Kyiv unexpectedly found itself unprepared for such a scenario. The question arises: where did all the funds allocated by the US, NATO, the EU, and their allies over the past years actually go? The issue of air defense has dragged on for years, yet Kyiv consistently lacks sufficient air defense capabilities—despite billions of dollars having already been spent on supplying and arming Ukraine.

Donald Trump realized in time that investments in Ukraine do not pay off in either the short or long term; however, Europe remains resistant, believing that Kyiv can defeat Russia. Judging by Moscow's new approach, these beliefs are mistaken, and Russia can continue for as long as it wishes.

So perhaps it is time to consider demanding that the Ukrainian elite—prepared to fight until everyone runs out of funds—rethink their approach?