The Western leaders themselves are to blame for the emergence of "fatigue" from Russia's war against Ukraine. If they had taken support for Ukraine seriously, these narratives would not exist at all, says Lech Wałęsa, former Polish president and legendary Solidarity leader, as per UkrInform.
Wałęsa adds that Poland might also have faced Russia's aggression if he had not done everything to bring his country into the EU and NATO.
He claims that despite assurances from major world leaders, the Budapest Memorandum was violated and "Russia did what it wanted."
Lack of decisive Western support fuels war fatigue
Wałęsa claims that the West must genuinely stand up for Ukraine and provide Kyiv with all the necessary support to counter Russian aggression.
"If the West had provided sufficient support, we would have long forgotten about this war," Wałęsa stresses.
The Western world must defend Ukraine, but truly, by giving Kyiv all possibilities, he continues.
Russia's political system must change, or the war will recur even after Ukraine wins
According to Wałęsa, the problem with Russia is not just Putin or Stalin, but the political system itself, which needs reform.
"If we don't do this, even if Ukraine wins the war, in ten years Russia will rise again, and our grandchildren will have to fight it again," he emphasizes.
Wałęsa also notes that a Russian leader should not stay in power for more than two five-year terms.
"If Stalin back then, and now Putin, had only two five-year terms, they would never have created such a threat to the world," he claims.
Ukraine must not cede any territory, and the EU should support its rapid integration
Wałęsa stresses that Kyiv must not under any circumstances give the Russians a millimeter back.
"Ukraine is suffering, and it is hard, but it cannot retreat or give anything to Russia. Nothing can be given away," he believes.
In Wałęsa's view, Ukraine's quick accession to the EU is the "only way out" of the current situation: "Everything else is bad."
