![]() ![]() The usual questions about the rise of populist movements and tensions over the extent of EU integration have remained. On top of that, politics in Europe did not freeze when Russian forces attacked Ukraine. The need for quickly replacing Russian gas and oil, growing energy prices, and the painful post-COVID-19 economic recovery turned out to be significant hurdles for governments, businesses, and ordinary citizens. The war has brought about other challenges, too. Denmark dropped its opt-out clause on EU defence cooperation, in place since 1993, and both Finland and Sweden abandoned their de facto neutrality and applied for NATO membership. The changed geopolitical situation even led to major paradigm shift for security considerations in some cases. During the first months of the war, such efforts met with a broad understanding. Fulfilment of most of them depends on the collective West providing long-term material, political, and technological support for Kyiv. The 2023 Warsaw Security Forum report includes a number of advocacy clauses related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With increased costs of living, high energy prices, and growing polarisation, Ukraine fatigue is becoming a serious threat. ![]() Today, however, some Western societies are experiencing turbulences that are manifold in nature. Other Western countries, such as Australia, joined the front although their geographical location might have made them reluctant to do so. The European Union (EU), constituting 27 member states with often contradicting interests, has managed to introduce 11 sanction packages. Over the last two years, the West has shown a great deal of unity in supporting Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion. 20 months after the invasion, however, there are some worrisome tendencies that need to be addressed should the collective West want to avoid the Ukraine fatigue for its own sake. Western societies have shown a great deal of solidarity with Ukraine. ![]()
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