Ukraine: the chosen people and the closed port

Ukraine has become a battleground where the concept of a chosen people collides with geopolitical realities, as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to reshape the nation’s destiny. On July 10, Kyiv's Cave Monastery, which marks 975 years of history, became a symbolic site of faith and resilience. There, Kirilo Budanov, who once led military intelligence and now heads the Office of the President, attended a liturgy. He declared that prayers were offered for Ukraine and its people, and that Ukrainians would prevail because they are the “chosen people” of God. This statement, made not by a bishop but by a man who has been central to the country’s wartime leadership, underscores a deeper truth: when strategic options fade, divine providence becomes the last resort. The resistance of Ukraine in 2022 remains one of the most extraordinary political events of the century. A country with little domestic defense industry managed to develop a drone-based warfare strategy that now influences global military doctrines. In June 2025, a 40-day campaign launched by Kyiv reportedly neutralized nearly a third of Russia’s refining capacity. Yet, the human toll has been immense. According to independent analyses conducted by groups such as Mediazona and Meduza in collaboration with the BBC, Russian casualties have reached approximately 350,000 by late 2025. On the Ukrainian side, precise figures remain elusive due to censorship, as reporting on casualties is considered sensitive information. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to consolidate control over around 118,000 square kilometers of territory. Despite these grim realities, the narrative of a small nation fighting against overwhelming odds persists. However, this portrayal overlooks the broader context of international support. The Institute for Peace Research in Kiel estimated that by early 2025, Western aid had totaled over 246 billion euros, more than half of which was military equipment. Beyond quantifiable assistance, Ukraine has also received continuous satellite coverage, real-time targeting data, and intelligence from across Europe. These resources have enabled a level of combat capability far beyond what Ukraine could achieve independently. Thus, while the courage of the Ukrainian people is undeniable, the conflict is not merely a struggle between two nations, it is a contest of influence between NATO and Russia, with Ukraine serving as both the battlefield and the pawn. This dynamic raises uncomfortable questions about how Ukraine came to be the focal point of such a confrontation. The country’s role in this conflict is not accidental but the result of complex geopolitical calculations. As the war has progressed, so too has the scrutiny of Ukraine’s internal structures. Reports from Ukrainian media reveal that parts of the state elite have exploited the crisis for personal gain. Andri Yermak, head of the Office of the President, was detained in May, and several of his associates, including a deputy prime minister, two ministers, and the head of the State Property Fund, are under investigation. Additionally, fifteen members of the ruling party are being probed for buying votes, with some fleeing the country before their arrest orders were issued. The consequences of this corruption are evident in public sentiment. In April, 54 percent of Ukrainians identified corruption as the greatest threat to their country. This statistic reflects a growing disillusionment with the government, particularly among citizens who have borne the brunt of the war. While the nation’s leaders continue to frame the conflict as a battle for sovereignty and survival, the reality is that Ukraine has become a proxy for larger powers, with its people paying the price. The war is not just about territory or ideology, it is about power, influence, and the shifting balance of global politics. As the conflict drags on, the question remains: can Ukraine reclaim its agency, or will it continue to serve as a symbol of a struggle that is ultimately shaped by others?