Ukrainian soldiers have issued a heartbreaking message as the war-torn country continues to fight Russia’s invasion.
As the war comes up to the two-year mark in February 2024, soldiers have begged supporters around the world: “Please don’t forget us.”
The Christmas message comes as international complacency over the war continues, with Ukraine saying it requires more funding and support to beat back Vladimir Putin’s soldiers.
One soldier, Petro, said: “The best Christmas present you can give us is an assurance of continued support. We need help.”
“Many are rushing to conclude our allies have turned their backs on us, we have become forgotten.
“We need shells and air defence. Lots of armaments. Please give us this Christmas gift, the assurance we will have everything we need to fight evil, and it will be the best ending to this difficult year.”
This week, a US aid debate due to take place in the Senate before Christmas was been pushed back to 2024, signalling the waning of support from Ukraine’s traditional allies.
Republican lawmakers have renewed their interest in domestic security issues over defending Ukraine against Russia, in opposition to President Joe Biden’s attempts to send an additional $60 billion in aid.
The White House has warned that current aid totalling $100 billion will be almost completely depleted by the end of 2023.
“Challenging issues remain,” a statement from Senate leaders Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell reads, referring to US interests in Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific and along its southern border with Mexico.
“The Senate will not let these national security challenges go unanswered.”
Hungary is also blocking an additional €50 billion in aid from the EU over an argument concerning frozen funding from the bloc for Viktor Orban’s country.
Kyiv continues to push for urgency as the world keeps its attention on Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attacks on October 7.
