By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced criticism of the West for its dwindling discussions on providing Ukraine with long-range missiles and its perceived inaction in combating the circumvention of sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia continues to produce missiles due to its ability to acquire necessary components from various countries, including those in Europe and the United States, despite existing sanctions. He questioned the logic of expending resources on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure when the focus should be on cutting off Russia’s access to missile components or destroying the factories producing them. Furthermore, Zelenskyy lamented the fading discussions around long-range weapons for Ukraine and the lack of European action regarding the threat posed by missiles deployed in Belarus.
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Zelenskyy says it’s cheaper to stop Russia from producing missiles than to save Ukraine’s energy system. This core idea, the economic logic underpinning his argument, is really quite straightforward. Imagine the ongoing costs of patching up damaged infrastructure, the constant cycle of repair and rebuilding after each missile strike. Now, contrast that with the proactive measure of preventing those missiles from even being launched in the first place, by targeting the components and the factories where they are built. It’s a matter of simple economics: prevention is often cheaper, and far less devastating, than cure.
It’s easy to get lost in the political noise surrounding this conflict, but Zelenskyy’s statement cuts through the rhetoric. He’s essentially highlighting the short-sightedness, perhaps even the calculated delays, that are tragically leading to more death and destruction in Ukraine. While the focus on financial costs is important, the true cost extends beyond mere monetary figures. The relentless assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is not just about power outages; it is about the toll on human lives and the disruption of daily existence. The longer the attacks continue, the more Ukrainians suffer.
The argument that it is cheaper to stop the missiles isn’t just a technical economic point, it is a desperate plea for a more proactive approach. The persistent focus on reactive measures is a problem that requires an immediate solution. By focusing on the supply chain, the source of the problem is targeted rather than just its effects. This preventative strategy would not only preserve vital infrastructure and save lives but also shorten the war, ultimately lowering the total cost of this conflict.
It’s a stark contrast, isn’t it? The Russians have poured resources into military production while neglecting their own society, and they should have invested in their own people. The fact is, they are spending their funds on trying to destroy their neighbors. Zelenskyy’s words imply a frustration with the ongoing cycle of destruction and repair. He is effectively saying, “Why are we constantly playing catch-up, when we could stop the attacks at the source?”
The reality is Europe needs to step up and do more. The situation in Ukraine isn’t just a military conflict; it’s a test of global resolve. The future of Ukraine and even Europe is at stake. The most effective way is to find a path to a sustainable peace, which includes a collective commitment to both military aid and economic stability.
This also highlights the crucial role that countries like the US play in the broader scheme of this war. While Europe must increase its support to the effort, the US has played a huge role in certain kinds of aid, enough to impact the progress of the war against Russia. The delays in providing the aid only serve Putin’s war machine.
The focus must be on preventing future attacks, not just reacting to them. The long-term consequences of failing to do so are too severe to ignore.