Gone with the Milton

Post-Tropical Cyclone Milton served as a convenient pretext to delay the much-anticipated Ramstein meeting, where critical decisions for the Russian-Ukrainian war were expected. The absence of U.S. President Joseph Biden, attributed to the wrath of Milton (which, in retrospect, was exaggerated), seemed to rob the gathering of its significance. 

Whether Biden’s non-participation was genuinely weather-related or politically calculated remains a question for history to unravel. Either way, the storm appears to have swept away not only Biden but also some of Ukraine’s immediate hopes for significant NATO advances, particularly on the pressing issue of striking deep into Russian territory.

The more cynical among us might argue that Milton didn’t just blow in from the Atlantic; it also stormed through the corridors of diplomacy, disrupting Ukraine’s aspirations for a rapid breakthrough in this brutal war. For a fleeting moment, Ukraine's entry into NATO seemed as distant as ever, and the controversial idea of "NATO membership for Ukraine in exchange for territory" faded with the winds. Yet, amid the storm clouds, we must remember: every cloud has a silver lining.

President Zelenskyy, ever the resilient leader, quickly responded with a strategic and dynamic tour across Europe. In record time, he met with leaders from key European nations, securing vital pledges of support. Most notably, the UK is considering sending British instructors to train Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian soil. While these aren’t British combat troops, they are still active British servicemen. Their presence in Ukraine carries weight, both symbolically and strategically, and raises crucial questions about their protection and the potential consequences of their deployment in the west of the country. 

Meanwhile, European leaders, cautious of provoking Putin, continue to discuss the full range of military support necessary to defeat Russia without crossing the line into direct confrontation. For now, Ukraine has been denied permission to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles, a decision that surely brought a smirk to Putin’s face in the Kremlin.

But here in Ukraine, the reality is viewed with pragmatism and a deep understanding of what’s at stake. Despite the cautious approach of our allies, Ukrainian forces have already struck Russian targets with significant effect, altering the Russian public’s perception of the war. Recent polls show a growing disenchantment among Russians, with many now believing that the war has done more harm than good. Even more strikingly, around 30 percent of Russians think that the occupied Ukrainian territories should be returned to Ukraine.

This shift in Russian opinion is not coincidental—it’s a direct result of the strikes deep into their territory. As Putin’s iron grip on the narrative begins to weaken, so too does the foundation of his war effort. Progress may be slow, but it is steady, and the winds of change, even those stirred by Milton, are blowing in Ukraine’s favor.

Glory to Ukraine!