Curtailing aid to Ukraine will only prolong the war, Mr Zelensky argues. And it would create risks for the West in its own backyard. There is no way of predicting how the millions of Ukrainian refugees in European countries would react to their country being abandoned. Ukrainians have generally “behaved well” and are “very grateful” to those who sheltered them. They will not forget that generosity. But it would not be a “good story” for Europe if it were to “drive these people into a corner”.
It’s not even subtle. “We’re very grateful for the aid, but if you stop helping us, who knows what might happen to you?” is a damn threat. I’m actually pretty disappointed in him for that one.
He’s stating the obvious. It’s no more threatening than saying you’ll burn your hand if you touch the hot stove.
Is it still tone deaf? Absolutely.
Their government has been trying to keep the issue of aid in the public interest for a reason. Sometimes they might go too far, but I think people underestimate the fear a country would experience if they were highly dependent on outside help. Especially if it wasn’t guaranteed to continue due to changes in the political leadership in the other countries.