File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: The number 31,000 should be a wakeup call for Ukraine’s allies

Feb 26, 2024 | 5:55 AM

THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND. That’s how many Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia’s illegal invasion of their country was launched two years ago.

The anniversary was on Saturday, and President Volodymyr Zelenski revealed the number yesterday, the first time his government has provided a total. It doesn’t include those who have been wounded or gone missing.

On top of military personnel lost, more than 10,000 civilians have been killed, mostly in missile attacks but many gunned down by Russian forces.

It’s all a reminder of the huge cost in human lives caused by Vladimir Putin’s insanity. Sadly, the resolve of Ukraine’s allies looks shaky.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

11h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

Mostly, it’s due to Republicans in the U.S., led by the isolationist Donald Trump, causing delays in the delivery of essential military materials to Ukraine.

Canada and other NATO allies, especially Poland, continue to support Ukraine but one wonders how long the bromide “as long as it takes” will hold up. Canada has yet to live up to its full obligations to NATO, though Justin Trudeau has signed a new security package with Ukraine.

Putin, meanwhile, watches with renewed confidence the uncertain support by western powers.

Each Saturday, a small group of Kamloops residents gathers at City Hall, as they did this past weekend, to reaffirm their support for Ukraine. It’s a scene that’s also played out in other Canadian cities and around the world. What a tragedy it will be if Putin is right and their persistence and moral backing turn out to be for naught.

Ukraine’s allies have to proceed on the assumption that Trump is going to win the presidential election and make good on his pledge to withdraw all aid to Ukraine. They have to not give up on Ukraine, and instead ramp up their aid to replace what the U.S. doesn’t provide.

In fact, they’ve got to push back harder than they have during the past two years, and do it without the U.S.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

—

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.