Why Some Nations Stand with Ukraine — and Others Look Away

Source: Author’s Facebook page

I was recently asked to explain why some countries actively support Ukraine, while others offer little more than fine words or prefer to remain neutral. Here’s my take.

Mutual support among nations in times of need is the foundation of the global order, just as solidarity among citizens underpins social order within a country. When Ukraine became a victim of aggression, it counted on the backing of the entire world. Yet the reality has turned out quite differently. Why do some nations — and their leaders — stand firmly with Ukraine, while others hold back or limit themselves to polite expressions of sympathy?

In 2022, Ukraine appealed to principles and values. By the end of that year, however, that argument had largely run its course. Today, global politics is shaped far more by interests than ideals. So let’s talk about 2025 — a time when no one harbors any illusions about the power of “values”.

Why do countries support Ukraine?

1. For their own security. Countries in Eastern, Central, and Northern Europe understand what Russian aggression means. They know that if Ukraine falls, war could reach their own territories.

2. To preserve a world order based on rules, agreements, and alliances. If these norms fail and aggression goes unpunished, it will encourage more attacks, forcing many countries to pay with the blood of their citizens.

3. For economic reasons. Russian aggression threatens the stability of the global economy—affecting grain markets, energy supplies, and logistics. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in the security of trade routes and market stability.

4. For moral authority and international standing. Supporting Ukraine allows countries to assert themselves as defenders of democracy, human rights, and international law, enhancing their influence in global institutions.

5. For idealistic reasons. Human civilization is built on the archetype of the weak but brave standing against cruel, oppressive power: David against Goliath, the 300 Spartans, the rebels against the Galactic Empire in Star Wars or Dune, hobbits against Sauron, Harry Potter against Voldemort. Ukraine embodies this timeless struggle.

Why don’t countries support Ukraine?

1. Fear and security concerns. Many citizens believe that this is not their war, that it will not reach their borders, or that Russia will be satisfied with Ukraine and stop there. Militarization seems to take money from family budgets. In these circumstances, some populists exploit fears of war to mobilize their electorate, making support for Ukraine politically toxic.

2. Dependence on Russia. Some countries remain heavily reliant on Russian energy, markets, or investments. Trapped by their geopolitical and economic context, they fear the costs of a Ukrainian victory more than the potential benefits. They hope to maintain “business as usual,” even when it is no longer possible.

3. Fear of Russia’s collapse. A Russian defeat could lead to state collapse, triggering unacceptable risks such as nuclear proliferation, massive refugee flows, religious radicalism, and the rise of China. The Moscow-centric mindset that constrains many Western analysts and policymakers prevents them from envisioning positive scenarios that could lead to sustainable peace and economic gains.

4. Because of Russian influence and vested interests. Russian money, propaganda, and the mistakes of Russian cultural production have shaped perceptions for years. Some political elites gravitate toward Moscow or feel a “traditional sympathy” due to shared cultural codes and nostalgia for the Soviet era—often reinforced by financial incentives.

5. Because the anti-colonial narrative doesn’t resonate. Many countries that were former colonies and gained independence through struggle fail to see Ukraine’s fight as an anti-colonial war against an empire seeking to reconquer it. This may stem from the perception of Ukrainians as white, lingering anti-Western (especially anti-American) sentiment, and the view of Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union, which historically presented itself as anti-colonial despite brutally oppressing its own territories.

In summary: Support for Ukraine stems from a mix of rational pragmatism, moral values, and a long-term political perspective. Lack of support, on the other hand, is driven by short-term thinking, a desire for the least costly quick fixes in domestic politics, and enduring fears, dependencies, and outdated affinities that do not reflect current international realities.

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