Fact check: Ukraine has paid a heavy price to keep Eastern Europe safe from Russian aggression.

1. Summary of the results

The statement about Ukraine paying a heavy price is supported by multiple sources, but requires important context. Ukraine has made significant sacrifices both militarily and economically, including:

• Development of domestic defense technologies and weapons manufacturing capabilities ^{[1] [2]}
• Deliberate economic sacrifices, such as ending the gas transit agreement with Gazprom, costing Ukraine $800 million annually in transit fees ^[3]
• Sustained resistance against Russian forces, defying initial expert predictions of a quick Russian victory ^{[4] [5]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• Ukraine is currently experiencing military setbacks, with Russia gradually advancing through eastern territories ^[6]
• The conflict has been costly for both sides, with Russia spending approximately $132 billion through 2024 on military expenses ^[7]
• Ukraine's strategic decisions, such as closing the gas pipeline, have actually caused more significant financial damage to Russia ($5-6.5 billion annually) than to Ukraine ^{[3] [8]}
• The European Parliament acknowledges that Ukraine needs continued support, indicating that the burden of resistance isn't being borne by Ukraine alone ^[9]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several potential biases:

• It suggests Ukraine has been successful in "keeping Eastern Europe safe," while current military developments show a more complex situation with territorial losses ^[6]
• It oversimplifies the situation by focusing only on Ukraine's sacrifices without acknowledging:

The significant international support Ukraine receives ^[9]

Russia's own substantial losses and setbacks ^{[5] [7]}

• Ukraine's strategic gains, such as the development of domestic military capabilities ^{[1] [2]}

This narrative benefits:

• Western military allies and defense contractors who support continued aid to Ukraine
• Ukrainian leadership seeking to maintain international support, as exemplified by President Zelensky's statements about the pipeline closure being "one of Moscow's biggest defeats" ^[8]
• Eastern European NATO members who benefit from Ukraine's role as a buffer against Russian expansion