The world’s attention has shifted once again. The conflict in the Middle East now dominates the headlines, and the scale of human suffering there rightly commands global concern.
But as the news cycle moves on, there is a growing danger that the war in Ukraine quietly fades from public focus. That would be a grave mistake.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not just another regional conflict competing for attention. It is one of the defining geopolitical struggles of our time.
What happens in Ukraine will determine whether borders in Europe can once again be changed by force, and whether authoritarian regimes can redraw the map of our continent through aggression.
Ukraine has already defied the expectations of many. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, some predicted that Kyiv would fall within weeks. Instead, Ukraine fought back and remains sovereign today.
In doing so, it has reshaped modern warfare. Ukrainian forces have become pioneers in the use of drone technology, striking targets deep inside Russian territory and forcing one of the world’s largest militaries to rethink its tactics.
Agility, ingenuity and determination have allowed Ukraine to challenge a far larger opponent.
Meanwhile, Russia has paid a staggering price for Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions. More than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or seriously wounded.
The Russian economy has been distorted by defence spending and weakened by sanctions. It faces a worsening demographic crisis and has lost the lucrative Western energy markets it once relied upon. Far from restoring Russian power, the Kremlin has made Russia increasingly dependent on China.
Iran must not play into Vladimir Putin's hands. The flashing signals are everywhere - Lubov Chernukhin | Getty Images
And yet the war continues.
Putin cannot afford to lose it. His political survival depends on maintaining the conflict and sustaining the illusion of strength. A frozen conflict would not end the danger. It would simply give the Kremlin time to regroup and prepare for the next stage of aggression.
I know the Kremlin’s playbook firsthand. It relies on intimidation, propaganda and the manipulation of truth to maintain power at home and project influence abroad.
Russia’s aggression does not stop at Ukraine’s borders. It also takes the form of cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and attempts to divide Western societies.
If Ukraine were forced into an unjust settlement, it would not bring peace. It would embolden further instability across Europe.
That is why the West must not lose focus, even while other crises demand attention.
Sanctions on Russia are working. They are slowly constraining the Russian economy and limiting its ability to sustain the war. That pressure must continue. Ukraine must also continue to receive the weapons and air defence systems it needs to defend its people and its infrastructure.
Most importantly, Ukraine must emerge from this war as a country its refugees want to return to, not out of obligation, but because they see opportunity and hope.
The stakes could not be clearer. Ukraine’s fight is not only about its own survival. It is about the future security of Europe. This is a fight the world cannot afford to forget, no matter what other challenges we must face.