Zelenskyy Decries Lack of Missile Defenses After 18 Killed in Chernihiv

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The Facts

  • Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week again decried the lack of Western military aid arriving in the county after Russian missiles killed 18 people and injured dozens more in the northern city of Chernihiv on Wednesday.

  • After the attack destroyed a hotel and damaged several multistorey residential buildings, a hospital, and an education facility, Zelenskyy said: "This would not have happened if Ukraine had received sufficient air defense equipment and if the world’s determination to counter Russian terror had been sufficient."


The Spin

Republican narrative

Only a minority of Ukrainians truly believe they can win this war. Despite this reality, out-of-touch liberals and elites continue to pursue the fantasy that Ukraine can defeat a much larger country that currently produces more artillery than the US and Europe combined. There's no reason to carry on funding this failed war effort.

Democratic narrative

MAGA Republicans are so desperate to hang Ukraine out to dry that they're latching on to the opportunity provided by the Iranian attack on Israel to pass separate funding bills. By doing this, they hope to pass military aid for Israel, but not for Ukraine. This will hurt the interests of both US allies, as well as hinder America's own goals.

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Ukraine is of course extremely grateful for all the aid Western countries have provided. However, the situation has to be discussed frankly. The spate of recent Russian attacks on Ukraine simply wouldn't have happened without delays to further support. Ukraine is urging the US to do all it can to make sure this European country gets the help it needs in the face of Russian aggression.


Metaculus Prediction


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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