Wsparcie Zachodu dla Ukrainy

Abstract

THE WEST’S SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

The article analyzes the Western approach to the war in Ukraine, taking into account primarily political and military aspects. The author puts forward the hypothesis that the first year of the war was characterized by a ‘moral’ approach based on democratic values, which can be considered close to liberalism in the international relations’ theory. In the second year of the war, on the other hand, the Western position began to be dominated by a  rational and pragmatic approach inspired by political realism. The emotional pressure caused by the mass killings in Bucha and Irpin persuaded the West to help. However, the Ukrainian counteroffensive launched in the summer of 2023 did not bring the expected victories. The imposition of sanctions on Russia by Western countries did not lead to the collapse of its economy, and most EU countries recorded only slight economic growth in 2023. As a result, the rhetoric of politicians demanding the fastest possible end to the war with Russia through peace negotiations is gaining popularity.