11 months ago, Russia entered Ukraine for what it thought was a lightning strike. But on the ground, the situation remains uncertain. As a result, a question agitates the West: how far should we help Ukraine? Should Belgium provide logistical and defensive support to Ukraine?
In the program “It’s not every day Sunday” of this January 29, the situation in Ukraine was at the center of the debates. For many months, several European countries, including Belgium, have been sending financial aid, but also military aid.
But faced with a delicate economic period, should we continue to help Ukraine? According to the Grand Barometer RTL info and Le Soir for the month of December, 56% of Belgians always say “Yes, we must support Ukraine“Alongside this 56%, many residents say they are worried about this situation. According to them, Belgium does not have the means to provide assistance.
Belgium is however among the European countries which help Ukraine the least, as indicated by an article in Le Monde and this table by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. To be able to compare countries of different sizes, the aid provided is related to the country’s GDP.
For Willy Claes, former Secretary General of NATO, it is essential to help them. “(…) Iukrainians are fighting for our freedoms, our rights“. Still according to him, “If things go wrong in Ukraine, do not believe that Putin will stop the attacks“.
Christophe Lacroix, federal deputy and mayor of Wanze, shares the same vision as Willy Claes. “I think the Ukrainians are waging a war to save our democratic values and freedom of expression against a Russian regime that has decided to invade them in defiance of international law (…)”.
Often a taboo subject, the aid provided to Ukraine is likely to continue to create debate.