The Western press publishes articles from time to time about “war fatigue” in the countries supplying Ukraine with military and economic aid.
You don’t read too many articles in the Western press about “war fatigue” among Ukrainian soldiers and the civilian population.
So what we are really talking about is “war fatigue” in the Western “spectator” countries.
They are, to be sure, supporting Ukraine with military and financial aid, and economic sanctions against Russia. Nonetheless, these actions involve but a very small percentage of wach donor’s national government budget or GDP.
The inconveniences that really cause “war fatigue” are not the taxes that might be required to cover each government’s financial contribution, however.
Rather, they are things like higher electrical and gas bills, and higher gasoline prices at the pump.
Ukrainians, for their part, do not have the luxury of complaining aboy “war fatigue”, though surely they are more tired of this war than anyone in the “spectator” countries.
Another source of “war fatigue” is the feeling among many, particularly in Europe, that the war has gone on for way too long, and it must be ended soon so everyone can get back to “business-as-usual” with Russia as soon as possible.
“Spectator governments” have not succeeded in convincing their populations that the war in Ukraine is not merely a “spectator war” but rather a war for the very heart and soul of our civilization and its future.
One reason for this communications failure is that government leaders have not yet grasped the point themselves.
Of course, Volodymyr Zelensky makes thus ooint repeatedly, but then spectators simpky think, “What else would you expect him to say, as he pleads for more weapons and financial support?”
Those who complain about “war fatigue” in the spectator countries don’t get it: This war is tbeir war too.
Before this spectator war is over, these spectators may have to change their roles and enter onto the playing field where this war is being fought.
There will be no return to “business-as-usual” with Russia, at least not within our lifetimes.
Of course, should the current Russian regime be replaced by one devoted to upholding the United Nations Charter and international law, normal relations with Russia coukd resume earlier. But even under that optimistic scenario, the process could take decades.
The spectators in the spectator nations are like beachfront property owners who can see or hear reports of a tsunami, still far away, approaching their beach.
Then, suddenly, the ocean waters are swirling at their feet, and are soon sweeping everything away.
The Trenchant Observer
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