Western leaders must prepare public for a war economy

MARTIN SANDBU

THE expression is ugly and its content even uglier, but “Ukraine fatigue” is a real risk in Western democracies. Their citizens are repulsed by Vladimir Putin’s war of unprovoked aggression and are full of sympathy for the Ukrainian people. Their leaders have surprised even themselves with the strength of their support for Kyiv. But as things drag on, challenges closer to home could increasingly steal their attention.

It is easy to see how the cost of living crisis, which is compounded by war and snarled-up supply chains, and which is probably already putting a chill on demand, could erode Western leaders’ focus on Ukraine.