A Frustrated but Resilient Nation 

Years of war have left many Ukrainians exhausted, yet they remain steadfast in their determination. “It is hard to stay brave, but we have to keep pushing,” one representative noted. The war is reshaping not just Ukraine’s military efforts but its entire social fabric. 

Despite European support, frustration lingers, particularly toward the United States. “The so-called ‘peace agreement meetings between Trump and Poetin feel like political theater,” one interviewee remarked, pointing to concerns that U.S. leadership, particularly under President Trump, prioritizes its own political gains over Ukraine’s long-term stability. The sentiment is echoed in criticisms of international diplomacy: “When the U.S. says we have to make big compromises for peace, it feels like an insult. We have already lost so much. We know we will have to compromise in some way, but why are we treated as anything other than equals?” 

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The prospect of peace is bittersweet. While Ukrainians desperately want an end to the violence, they are wary of agreements that disproportionately burden Ukraine. “No one talks about what Russia should give up,” one interviewee pointed out. “We are expected to make sacrifices, but peace must be equal. We cannot forget the people who were murdered, the villages that were destroyed.” 

Trump’s approach to negotiations has deepened skepticism. “His treatment of Zelensky versus Putin was shocking,” one representative noted. “Ukraine is left out of the conversation. We fear that short-term peace will only give Russia time to regroup.” The EU must take a stronger stance, they argue, as European nations share a common security interest. “Ukraine is a wall supporting Europe from Russia. The U.S. will never understand our collective European identity the way EU nations do.” 

Beyond Military Aid: What Ukraine Actually Needs 

Military aid remains critical. Ukraine’s forces struggle to counter Russia’s drone capabilities. “Russian drones are our biggest problem,” one respondent explained. “Germany’s advanced weapons could help, but we need sustained military financing to keep up.” The representatives stress that continuous financial support is crucial for long-term safety and the protection of Europe as well. Yet, they also emphasize that military aid cannot be the sole focus. 

Beyond weapons, Ukraine needs democratic resilience. Wartime measures have curtailed civic freedoms, raising fears about democratic backsliding. “Some laws are destroying Ukrainian businesses and limiting our ability to express dissent,” one representative stated. Local elections are set for October, but martial law remains in the entire country, threatening their feasibility. 

Rebuilding the country will require expertise, not just funds. “We do not need more money alone, we need knowledge, instruments, and strategic collaboration,” a Green Party representative emphasized. “We need local involvement, not just national initiatives. Exchanges between communities in Ukraine and the Netherlands could be hugely beneficial.” 

“ Please, just don’t forget about us! ”
Green Party of Ukraine

The Environmental Devastation of War 

Beyond military support, Ukrainians see a critical role for Green parties in post-war reconstruction. The country has suffered immense environmental devastation. “We lost a lot of biodiversity,” one respondent explained. “Russian forces deliberately set fires and destroy ecosystems.” The conflict has endangered around 600 animal species and 750 plant and fungi species, many of which are rare and listed in the Red List of threatened species, facing potential extinction, according to the  EUNeighborsEast. 

The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and the looming threat to nearby nuclear power plant highlight Ukraine’s environmental vulnerabilities. What Ukraine needs from European Greens is expertise and collaboration. “We need help restoring biodiversity and infrastructure,” the Green Party representatives emphasized. “We don’t just need financial aid; we need to develop sustainable, long-term solutions for rebuilding.” 

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A Call to European Leaders: More Than Just Military Support 

Ukraine is not merely a recipient of aid; it is an emerging European partner. “We will not be a burden. We will be an efficient partner,” one representative affirmed. “Dutch political support for our EU membership is crucial. It will confirm our long-term political choice and autonomy.” As European leaders push for increased military aid, Ukrainian voices remind us that sustainable peace requires more than weapons. It requires diplomatic equity, environmental restoration, and democratic resilience. 

“Please, just don’t forget about us,” one interviewee said in closing. “Attention and information in European media matters so much.” 

The Netherlands and the EU have a choice: to view Ukraine as a temporary crisis or as a long-term ally in shaping a stronger, greener, and more democratic Europe. The voices from Ukraine are clear. Now, it is up to European leaders to listen. 

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Greens of Ukraine