No Fury Like a Proxy Scorned

Zelensky's "Victory Plan" is a psychosexual plea of a spurned lover rather than a realistic military strategy. It's an angry ultimatum to the West from a discarded proxy: "put a ring on it or else."

Accumulating Ukrainian sorrow may seek unpredictable paths of release in defeat

Across dismal steppes, where sorrow breeds with ruthless abundance, Ukraine’s grim harvest of burial grounds rises. The sky looms heavy and grey, mirroring the ashen landscape of loss below. The only splashes of color come from flags fluttering above endless rows of graves—bright, yet hollow—as if mocking the earth that swallows so many sons and fathers. Widows kneel in silent grief, tears tracing lines down their cheeks, while children cling to their hands, adrift in a world that takes everything and gives nothing in return. This is Ukraine’s demographic tragedy—a nation bleeding dry, its future buried beneath a thousand flags.

Meanwhile, the architects of this carnage remain untouched by the mournful wind that sweeps across the land, their comforts far removed from the weight of this sorrow. The sacrifice of Ukraine’s flesh and blood stands in stark contrast to the distant halls of power, where in Kiev, the West and Moscow, the privileged continue to live untouched by the grief they’ve sown.

This harvest of horror stems from the twisted dynamics of a triangular relationship between the West, Ukraine, and Russia, where power struggles unfold with tragic echoes of psychosexual compulsions. Ukraine, long trapped between these two towering powers, has often assumed a passive, almost feminine role in its relations with both Russia and the West. Historically, this has stoked an internal East-West split, with Ukrainians on either side attempting to attract and please one of these greater geopolitical forces—seeking protection, validation, and a place of belonging.

The psychosexual undercurrents run deep, turning geopolitical manoeuvres into metaphors of intimacy and betrayal. Ukraine’s internal fractures reflect a broader psychological conflict—one where the nation’s yearning for freedom is constantly compromised by its dependence on external powers. In this tragic dance of power, Ukraine finds itself both pursued and forsaken, never fully possessing the autonomy it craves, yet forever shaping the desires of those vying for control.

Today, Ukraine’s position in the geopolitical arena increasingly resembles that of a "side chick"—a nation courted and flattered by the West, yet denied the full commitment it desperately seeks. Since the war began in 2022, Ukraine has sacrificed hundreds of thousands of men in pursuit of a Western-backed future, clinging to the promise of NATO membership and economic integration with the European Union. Yet despite this sacrifice, the West steadfastly refuses to offer the kind of unconditional commitment that Ukraine craves.

From the Ukrainian nationalist perspective, Russia is the abusive ex-husband who refuses to accept their divorce is final, clinging to the fantasy of a shared history and an inseparable bond. For centuries, Ukraine existed under the shadow of Russia’s dominance, and while the two nations are bound by cultural, linguistic, and historical ties, Ukraine’s assertion of its independence and its westward pivot has been a rejection of this past.

For the nationalists, the 2014 Maidan revolution, Ukraine's turn towards the West, and the ongoing war have all symbolized the nationalists’ desire to break free from Russia’s grip. Yet, Russia, like a spurned partner, continues to claim ownership, framing Ukraine’s resistance as betrayal. Russia's invasion in 2022 was, in many ways, an attempt to force Ukraine back into a relationship it had outgrown, to reassert control over a territory that had moved beyond its influence.

From Russia’s perspective, its divorce from Ukraine had been civil and respectful right up until NATO’s unrelenting eastward tsunami toppled the relationship’s delicate balance. In Russian eyes, the West is a flashy, opportunistic player who seduced Ukraine away from its true, yet independent place in the Russian world. Even after the break up of the Soviet Union, the relationship between Russia and Ukraine, though at times tense, was one of deep historical, economic, cultural, and familial ties. Russia views Ukraine not as a mere neighbour, but as a crucial part of its identity and sphere of influence.

After the West orchestrated the 2014 Maidan coup d'état, Russia accused the West of trampling boundaries, meddling in an internal relationship and gashing a deeper schism that wasn’t theirs to carve. For Russia, the West didn’t just steal Ukraine; it corrupted it, filling Kiev’s pretty little head with unattainable dreams of Western integration and prosperity, all the while ignoring the deep bonds of Slavic tragedy that Russia and Ukraine have shared for centuries.

In Moscow’s eyes, the West is quick to exploit, but slow to commit, leaving Ukraine in a state of perpetual uncertainty while Russia, despite its flaws, remains the constant, a force that has always been there and, in its own view, will continue to be so long after the West grows bored and moves on to seduce its next geopolitical hottie.

By cancelling the Ramstein summit, the United States sent a clear, public, and brutal message to Ukraine that their once tight-knit relationship was coming to an end. The summit, which symbolized solidarity and support, was scrapped without ceremony, leaving Ukraine on the sidelines as the U.S. turned its focus elsewhere. To add insult to injury, President Biden’s upcoming visit to Germany—to accept an award, no less—throws the reality of the breakup in Ukraine’s face. It seems Biden’s schedule is too "tight" to even consider rescheduling the summit, driving home Ukraine's sudden demotion in the West’s priorities. It’s as if the US has decided to “ghost” Zelensky.

In a gesture that feels more like being put in the friendzone than a meaningful extension of support, the Biden Administration did release a chump change arms package of just under $500 million. While this offering may seem like a lifeline, it pales in comparison to the billions previously poured into Ukraine’s war effort. It’s as if the U.S. is offering Ukraine a "consolation prize," a reminder that while they are not completely abandoning the relationship, the passionate, high-stakes alliance is clearly over. The message is unmistakable: Ukraine may still get occasional handouts, but the days of unwavering, no-limits support are behind them.

The breakup, however, is not just about rejection; it’s about setting new boundaries. By cancelling the summit and limiting future arms deliveries, the U.S. is signalling that Ukraine is no longer the centrepiece of its foreign policy agenda. For Ukraine, the sting of this rejection is more than just emotional—it’s a hard political and military reality.

The danger for the West after its raw and public rejection of Ukraine following years of exploiting its Western dreams is indeed palpable. The phrase "Hell hath no fury like a proxy scorned" captures the gravity of the risk. Ukraine has poured hundreds of thousands of lives into this war, sacrificed its future, and placed its faith in the West's promises of military, political, and economic support. For years, Ukraine has acted as a loyal partner, accepting every demand in the hopes of eventual victory, NATO membership, and the aid needed to rebuild its shattered nation. Now, with Western attention shifting to more immediate concerns like Israel, Ukraine may feel not only neglected but utterly betrayed.

Now that the promised victory over Russia and the prospect of NATO membership has been yanked away, Ukraine might lash out in unpredictable ways. The emotional toll of being sidelined after so much has been given may fuel erratic decisions. Already hardened by war, Ukraine's leadership could respond with bold and potentially destabilizing moves, aiming to remind the West of the costs of neglecting its ally. For Ukraine the prospect of being left out in the cold may stir violent and destructive impulses.

Zelensky’s Victory Plan: “Put a Ring On It”

After Zelensky’s humiliation at Ramstein, he toured major European capitals and was treated little better than a leper. Even in London, where Zelensky had once been hailed as the second coming of Churchill, his requests for deep missile strikes into Russia were met with condescension. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mocked his plea, dismissively stating, “no war is won by a single weapon.” Even hard-nosed pro-Russian observers, who had been irritated by Zelensky’s antics and signature green t-shirts over the past two years, felt a pang of sympathy. His dramatic fall from grace had the air of a Greek tragedy, evoking an almost reluctant compassion for the diminished Ukrainian leader.

On Wednesday, October 16th, a disgraced Zelensky addressed Ukraine’s parliament, well aware that none of his demands would be met. Yet, for the sake of pride, he had to make them before his people, who had sacrificed so much for the elusive promises of the West. It’s uncertain how many Ukrainians still cling to the Western dream, but to most outside observers, the futility of the speech was painfully obvious. Beneath the surface, though, the address was more than just a formality—it was, in essence, a spurned lover’s ultimatum to the West.

In the first point of Zelensky's "Victory Plan," he pleads for an immediate invitation to join NATO with full membership to follow. Zelensky is demanding a clear shift in Ukraine's relationship with the West. He is no longer satisfied with Ukraine’s "side chick," role, fulfilling the West's desires for a proxy in its competition with Russia without ever receiving the full commitment that comes with membership in the alliance. Zelensky’s call for an invitation to NATO is akin to a long-term partner who has grown tired of being kept on the sidelines, demanding that the West finally "pop the question" and make a formal commitment. It’s not enough to keep stringing Ukraine along with promises of support and aid—Ukraine wants the symbolic and material security of being fully "engaged" to NATO, solidifying its position in the West’s strategic plans. In short, they want NATO and the EU to “put a ring on it.”

The problem for Ukraine is that the West has already extracted nearly everything it wanted from Kiev and sees little reason to commit further. Any leverage Ukraine once had now lies decomposing in dismal burial grounds. From the West’s cold, pragmatic perspective, why buy the proxy when its blood and sacrifice are given freely?

Let’s You (NATO) and Him (Russia) Fight

Putin as Ukraine’s abusive wife beating ex

Following thier massive death toll, no one can accuse Ukraine of avoiding its fight with Russia. Yet after more than two years of brutal attrition, Ukraine now desperately needs substantial military support from its "partners" in the West.

Zelensky's second demand in his Victory Plan is precisely this: help from the West to defend Ukraine. Specifically, Ukraine needs more air defense systems and for NATO to enforce as close to a no-fly zone as possible over its skies. The message is clear—Ukraine cannot continue this fight alone.

From a psychosexual lens, Ukraine’s plea can be seen as a demand for protection from an abusive "ex" in the form of Russia. Initially, Ukraine was drawn to the West by its martial prowess, seduced by its image of strength. Yet as the war drags on, the West, once idealized, appears increasingly weak and effete, unwilling to engage directly against the primal martial force of Russia. The longer the rich, polished West refuses to confront the raw violence of Russia head-on, the more its masculinity—its power and dominance—comes into question. Ukraine once saw the West as the ultimate protector, the most formidable force on the global stage, but what if the real strength lies with the Primal Horde—Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, supported by BRICS+?

The West, relying on its wealth, stealth, and informational finesse to defeat Russia, has so far failed to deliver a decisive blow. This failure casts doubt not only on its commitment to Ukraine but also on its standing as a true geopolitical force.

The stated goal of Ukraine’s Victory Plan is to force Russia to face judgment at a Ukraine-dominated "Peace Summit." This format resembles an international divorce tribunal, which Ukraine hopes will finalize its separation from Russia once and for all. Furthermore, Ukraine seeks the equivalent of a restraining order and demands that Russia pay "alimony" in the form of massive war reparations. Suffice to say, this courtroom psychosexual drama will remain a Ukrainian fantasy, as the outcome of the Ukraine-Russia relationship will ultimately be decided on the battlefield.

Immaculate Deterrent: Carrying the West’s Love Child

Zelensky's third point in his hypothetical Victory Plan, imagines "containment of Russia via a non-nuclear strategic deterrent package deployed on Ukrainian soil." This vision can be viewed through a psychosexual lens as akin to Ukraine asking to be metaphorically impregnated with the West's love child. By allowing the deployment of these mysterious Western strategic assets on its soil, Ukraine symbolically becomes a vessel for Western power, carrying within it the seed of the West's supposed military dominance. This deepens the bond between Ukraine and the West, creating a lasting, irreversible connection that mirrors the biological commitment of pregnancy. In this scenario, Ukraine seeks to anchor the West's investment in its future while further alienating Russia, which is left to view Ukraine as irrevocably intertwined with its rival. This symbolic impregnation heightens the tension, as Russia, once a dominant force in Ukraine's life, now finds itself excluded from this new geopolitical and psychosexual family unit, unable to reclaim its influence.

However, as NATO loses the war, this "seed of military dominance" planted in Ukraine is exposed as a "wanting seed," one that ultimately holds little to no geopolitical value. The promise of strategic deterrence, once envisioned as a powerful bond between Ukraine and the West, withers, proving to be impotent in the face of actual confrontation with Russia. Instead of solidifying NATO's influence, the failed effort highlights the limitations of Western power, leaving Ukraine burdened with a hollow legacy. The West's inability to protect or elevate Ukraine strips away the veneer of strength, leaving NATO’s presence in Ukraine as a futile gesture rather than a meaningful transformation of global power dynamics.

Deep Strikes into Russia

As Ukraine grows increasingly disillusioned with the West’s half-hearted commitment, it has adopted more aggressive tactics, seeking to assert dominance over Russia, not just by its own strength, but by also urging the West to allow their weapons for "deep strikes" into Russian territory. Psychosexually, this can be seen as an attempt by Ukraine to emasculate Russia—using Western missiles to breach Russia's sovereignty, Ukraine seeks to reframe the power dynamic. Ukraine is attempting to force Russia into a passive, feminized role, subject to the power of a more dominant force of phallic power.

In this context, Ukraine’s call for "deep strikes" functions as a kind of revenge fantasy. Ukraine, having been in a subordinate relationship to both Russia and the West, seeks to invert the roles, using the West’s military prowess to metaphorically "rape" Russia—stripping it of its dominance and humiliating its former partner. This psychosexual lens exposes Ukraine’s deeper insecurities and frustrations; after years of being passive, Ukraine now desires to be the force through which Russia is diminished and shamed. The disastrous Ukrainian push into Russia’s Kursk region, which cost Ukraine dearly in both lives and equipment, is a manifestation of this compulsion. Zelensky's sudden drive to violate Russia in this way seemed to shock even Ukraine’s Western allies, as Ukraine momentarily broke out of its traditionally submissive role.

Ukraine, emboldened by the fleeting sense of power it gained through these incursions, continues to plead for the ability to fire Western missiles deep into Russia. However, this newfound assertiveness has made the West uncomfortable. Having previously enjoyed Ukraine’s submissiveness, the West has responded with unease and reluctance, rejecting these more extreme requests to pound deeper into Russia’s rear areas. Ukraine’s attempt to shift its position in the geopolitical power dynamic—by seeking more masculine authority—has revealed the underlying tensions in its relationship with the West, which seems hesitant to relinquish control or escalate the conflict further.

Flouting Natural Resources

Critics of the war often frame Ukraine's persistent demands for billion-dollar aid packages as little more than geopolitical gold digging. In response, in his Victory Plan, Zelensky attempted to shift this narrative, offering the West an enticing deal: unlimited exploitation of Ukraine’s vast natural resources. By cat-walking Ukraine’s rich deposits of minerals, fertile lands, and its strategic potential as an energy corridor, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine’s assets are down to be tapped by Western firms. This gesture was designed to sweeten the proposed geopolitical marriage, suggesting that Ukraine's material wealth is the dowry the West would receive in exchange for long-term commitment.

Zelensky's message was clear: Ukraine's "voluptuous" geological treasures are on full display, hoping to lure Western powers into hardening their support. The rich mineral deposits, alongside Ukraine’s fertile soil, promise immense economic benefits to any nation willing to plough into Ukraine's future. By flaunting these assets, Kiev hopes to turn the war effort into a pleasurable venture for Western allies, tempting them with the prospect of unfettered access to Ukraine’s buried treasures.

Europe’s Shield

Europe’s future defenders?

The fifth point of Zelensky’s Victory Plan, which calls for replacing part of the U.S. military contingent in Europe with Ukrainian soldiers after the conflict, marks a dramatic shift in Ukraine's identity. No longer content to be viewed as a passive victim or a subordinate nation under Western protection, Ukraine seeks to transform itself into a key defender of European security. In this vision, Ukrainian soldiers, hardened by years of brutal conflict with Russia, would step into the role that U.S. forces have long held—guardians of the European continent. This shift signals Ukraine’s evolution from a passive, feminine figure relying on external aid, into a new archetype of masculinity within the European security framework, where its soldiers, now "men," can provide the strength and protection that Europe, in its weakened state, can no longer muster on its own.

Zelensky’s vision speaks to a symbolic reversal of roles. While Europe, with its aging military structures and reliance on U.S. forces, begins to resemble an "elderly lady"—cautious, fragile, and in need of protection—Ukraine emerges from the flames of war as a virile and battle-hardened "man," ready to assume a leadership position. The EU, long seen as the moral and financial protector of Ukraine, would, under this plan, become the one in need of protection, safeguarded by Ukrainian soldiers who have proven their worth on the battlefield. This reimagining of roles reinforces a new narrative where Ukraine is no longer simply a buffer state between the West and Russia but the very shield that Europe relies on to safeguard its future.

The problem with this narrative, of course, lies in those bleak burial grounds. So few Ukrainian soldiers will survive this war intact that there will be no surplus left to defend the rest of Europe. The human cost is staggering, and the notion of Ukraine emerging from this conflict as Europe's protector seems increasingly unrealistic. The reality is that Ukraine’s manpower is being depleted at a catastrophic rate, leaving little room for future geopolitical ambitions.

Triangulating With Russia?

As the West refuses to offer Ukraine the full commitment it seeks, Kiev faces a dangerous temptation: the possibility of flirting with Russia once again. As long as NATO membership and EU integration remain out of reach, Ukraine might begin to reconsider its options, using the spectre of rapprochement with Russia as leverage against the West. Just as a neglected partner might flirt with an old flame to spark jealousy, Ukraine could threaten to join the BRICS+ alliance, a move that would shock the West and force it to reassess its neglect of Ukraine.

The promise of Ukraine’s vast natural resources—its fertile agricultural lands, rich mineral deposits, and strategic geographic position—being ravaged by the BRICS+ will turn heads in Western capitals. These assets could become a bargaining chip, with Kiev dangling these assets to both the West and Russia in a bid to secure its future. While Ukraine may have no real desire to reunite with Russia, the idea of playing both sides may become more appealing as Western support continues to wane.

However, this triangulation carries immense risks. Flirting with Russia would likely deepen internal divisions within Ukraine, empowering pro-Russian factions and weakening the resolve of those who have dedicated their lives to resisting Russian influence. Yet in the face of rejection and abandonment by the West, Kiev may feel it has no choice but to explore every possible avenue for survival—even if that means once again dancing with the dangerous ex it thought it had left behind.

Ukraine as Crazy Ex

The term "daddy issues" refers to a psychological complex where individuals, often due to unresolved feelings toward a father figure, seek validation, protection, or approval from authority figures, sometimes in destructive ways. In Ukraine's case, the West has become the "father figure" it looked to for support and protection after breaking away from Russia, its former authoritarian figure or "abusive ex." As the West now rejects and neglects Ukraine, these unresolved "daddy issues" may manifest in increasingly erratic or even hostile behaviour towards its once-supportive allies. Ukraine, feeling scorned and used, could lash out, refusing to play its role as a compliant proxy, and instead turning its frustrations on the very powers it once relied upon. Zelensky has reportedly given President Trump the following ultimatum: NATO entry or Ukraine will develop nuclear weapons.

This sense of betrayal could lead Ukraine to become a "crazy ex" in geopolitical terms. Desperate for attention, resources, and respect, Ukraine might start threatening or acting out in unpredictable ways—such as sabotaging Western interests, aligning with adversarial powers like Russia or China, or even leaking sensitive military or intelligence information to get back at the West. The more it feels ignored or rejected, the more dangerous this dynamic could become, with Ukraine lashing out to demand the commitment and recognition it craves. The West, having encouraged Ukraine's dependence, now faces the risk of dealing with a jilted proxy willing to cause chaos if it feels its sacrifices have been in vain.

The West has already, in some ways, laid the groundwork for portraying Ukraine as mentally unstable and capable of erratic behaviour. The false accusation that Ukraine was behind the Nord Stream pipeline explosion was a striking example of this projection. By claiming that Ukraine could have sabotaged a critical piece of European infrastructure—an act that would have severe diplomatic and economic consequences—the West subtly introduced the idea that Ukraine could be unpredictable, irrational, and willing to harm its own allies if its demands or expectations were not met. And with Ukraine now threatening to acquire nuclear weapons if NATO spurns them, the West will have to tread carefully around their soon-to-be nuclear armed “crazy ex.”

The Final Taboo

Ukraine has bent over to the will of the West on nearly every front, sacrificing hundreds of thousands of its men and resources in a desperate bid to secure its place within NATO's fold. Yet, a final, unspoken boundary remains: the conscription of its youngest men, those under 25, who have so far been spared from the brutal front lines. The West has been pushing hard to transgress this final taboo but Kiev is hesitating, signalling to the Ukrainian people that there are limits to how much they will take without receiving a more concrete commitment from their Western benefactors. It’s as if Ukraine, already having sacrificed so much, now faces one final, degrading demand—an ask that would strip the nation of its remaining dignity and demographic future, leaving it torn, frayed and vulnerable in the wake of an omnipresent rejection.

It seems some in the West have derived a dark, narcissistic pleasure from watching Ukraine debase itself in its relentless pursuit of Western dreams, humbling itself at every turn to meet the demands of its so-called benefactors. The power to decide the fate of thousands of Slavic working-class men, sent to the front lines like sacrificial lambs, has given the West a sinister sense of control—playing god over life and death in a proxy war. As time goes on, perhaps the West no longer sees Ukrainians as future allies. Instead perhaps they are more often than not seen as "proxy Russians," interchangeable as targets of a deep-seated ethnic animus. Perhaps there's a twisted satisfaction in watching them prostrate themselves, yearning for Western validation, while the West toys with Ukraine's fate like a distant puppeteer, never fully committing, yet never fully letting go, but always happy to receive a frisson of pleasure as Slavic death tolls rise.

Russian military cemetery near St. Petersburg

In the aftermath of being dumped by the West, a shattered Ukraine faces a winter of despair. Its energy grid lies in ruins from relentless Russian aerial strikes, and as the steppes freeze, millions of Ukrainians may be forced to flee, seeking refuge in either Europe or Russia. A Russian military victory now seems inevitable, but the unanswered question remains: where will the Russian advance stop? Will the Dnieper River become the final boundary, or will Ukrainian intransigence force a battle for Kiev, echoing the Red Army's brutal conquest of Berlin in 1945? Perhaps even more ominously, will Russian tanks push all the way to the Polish border, redrawing Europe’s map again? What remains certain is that the slaughter of Slavic men is far from over—its terrible crescendo has yet to be reached, and countless burial grounds remain to be dug.