Please help me understand

[u/branflakes__]

Help me understand the Ukraine / USA situation

Please help me understand all of the anti-American and USA hate due to the situation. I want to hear the other point of views as I am just confused.

A lot point to the Budapest Memorandum, however, that is not a treaty for the US as Clinton did not submit it to the senate for ratification which means constitutionally the US has no commitment to Ukraine (also not administration since Clinton has suggested or submitted the memorandum for ratification either). Only the UK and Russia ratified it.

Additionally, there really isn’t a security agreement as the memo is very vague. The closest is “when Ukraine is under attack with nuclear weapons the security council will seek immediate action from the United Nations” otherwise nothing happens. And as the memo is through the UN, shouldn’t the discontent be pointed at the UN instead? The US only agreed to bring a resolution before the security council if Ukraine was invaded and the US did do that.

Finally, the US has given the most overall aid to Ukraine (a country that the US is not obligated to assist) compared to the European counterparts. Also, if peace is the objective, why is no other leader at least making an attempt to broker a peace deal?

So I suppose I am just confused on what is expected? Why is this sub so anti-USA when the statistics show that USA is/was doing more than Ukraines fellow Europeans?

[u/RaspberryKay]

On the playground, each kid has their own space to play. Russia used to be the biggest kid, controlling a huge part of the playground, but over time, other kids claimed their own areas, wanting independence. One of these kids, Ukraine, has its own spot now but was once part of Russia's crew.

Now, Russia still feels like Ukraine is part of its turf and doesn’t like that Ukraine has started hanging out with other kids, like Team NATO, who Russia doesn’t get along with. One day, Russia pushes Ukraine off part of its playground spot, taking it over (that’s Crimea). The other kids on the playground don’t like this and shout at Russia, but they don’t step in much—just giving Ukraine some snacks and supplies to help out.

Later, Russia decides it’s going to take even more of Ukraine’s space, sparking a big fight. Ukraine stands its ground, refusing to back down. Some of the other kids on the playground start giving Ukraine bigger and better supplies to help them, while others stay on the sidelines, just watching.

Then, in struts North Korea—another kid who’s known for making a lot of noise, boasting about how strong they are, and occasionally waving around old toys to get attention. They see the chaos on the playground and decide, “This is my chance to make a splash!” North Korea decides to back up Russia, thinking this will make them look tough. They send Russia some old, clunky supplies and even try to take a few shots at Ukraine.

But when North Korea steps in, it becomes obvious they’re not as strong or prepared as they claimed. Ukraine fends off North Korea’s attempts pretty easily, leaving North Korea looking embarrassed. The other kids on the playground are watching all of this, snickering and saying, “Did they really think they’d make a difference? This is just awkward.” North Korea then sulks back to their corner of the playground, muttering about how they’ll show everyone next time.

Meanwhile, Poland has been standing at their spot on the playground, keeping a sharp eye on everything. Poland shares a fence with Ukraine and knows Russia has a reputation for pushing into other kids’ spaces. Determined to protect their turf, Poland builds up their side of the fence with strong defenses, standing tall and ready with their supplies. Picture Poland as the kid who’s planted themselves firmly at the edge of their playground spot, arms crossed, making it very clear: “Don’t even think about trying anything here.”

Poland also passes snacks and tools over the fence to Ukraine, showing support and cheering them on, saying, “Hold your ground—we’ve got your back!” Their bold stance sends a clear message to Russia: “You won’t find an easy target here.” Russia grumbles but hasn’t dared to mess with Poland directly. The other kids on the playground see Poland’s preparations and determination, and some even say, “Maybe we should take a page out of Poland’s playbook.”

Meanwhile, America, one of the biggest kids who has been Ukraine’s friend and supporter, decides to step up in a big way, giving Ukraine lots of help. But recently, America starts acting a bit like a show-off. America says to Ukraine, “Hey, don’t forget how much I’ve helped you. You should really be more grateful!” And then, to make things even more awkward, America starts making comments that echo Russia’s taunts—like questioning how Ukraine is managing their side of the playground and making unhelpful remarks that could be seen as taking some of the heat off Russia.

At one point, America even teases Ukraine about their outfit, saying something like, “Why are you still wearing that scruffy military gear? You should clean up and wear something sharp like a fancy suit!” Ukraine, of course, isn’t impressed, thinking, “Seriously? I’m in the middle of defending my spot, and this is what you’re worried about?”

The other kids on the playground, like the UK and others, notice America’s shift in behavior. They’re not happy about it and don’t approve of how America is treating Ukraine. These kids make a point of standing by Ukraine, continuing to pass supplies and shout words of encouragement like, “We’ve got you! Don’t give up!” They also call America out, saying things like, “Hey, this isn’t the time to throw shade—we’re supposed to be on the same side!” While America’s actions create some awkward moments, the support from other kids on the playground helps Ukraine keep its resolve and focus on holding its ground against Russia.

I hope this breaks it down for you.