The KHAMENEI.IR account sparked social media debate by repeating a warning from the Islamic Revolution's Leader, Imam Khamenei, that was delivered three years ago. The speech, which resurfaced during Ukraine's escalating crisis, serves as a reminder to countries who continue to rely on US and Western assistance.
In the early days of the 2022 Ukraine war, Imam Khamenei presented a strategic appraisal of the situation, claiming that Ukraine had fallen victim to America's destabilising foreign policy. He cited US intervention in Ukraine's internal affairs, support for so-called "colour revolutions," and manipulation of the country's leadership as important reasons contributing to the conflict. "The support of Western powers for puppet countries and administrations is an illusion that does not reflect reality. "Every government should be aware of this," Khamenei cautioned at the time.
Three years later, his critique is as important as ever. The KHAMENEI.IR news source emphasised this by tweeting Khamenei's statement in both Persian and Ukrainian on Saturday evening: "The first lesson from the Ukraine case is that Western powers' support for puppet countries and governments is a mirage." All governments should be aware of this. Let the powers that have placed their hopes in America and Europe see the situation in Ukraine."
Ukraine’s Harsh Reality: Economic Collapse and Military Failure
As Ukraine's war enters its third year, the repercussions of Western dependence are obvious. Since 2022, the country has lost more than 20% of its area, its population has shrunk by over 10 million people as a result of casualties and migration, and its economy has contracted by 30%. Despite receiving more than $200 billion in military and financial assistance from Western countries, Ukraine continues to suffer on the battlefield.
Just last month, Kyiv suffered another big setback as Russian forces made significant territory gains, while Ukrainian soldiers—many of whom are now conscripts with little training—face diminishing ammunition supplies. Meanwhile, economic conditions in Ukraine have deteriorated considerably, with inflation over 20% and unemployment surpassing 30%.
A Tense Meeting in Washington: Zelensky Humiliated
Amid this crisis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington on Friday to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in what was expected to be a negotiation on further U.S. assistance. However, the meeting reportedly turned into a public humiliation for the Ukrainian leader.
According to eyewitness accounts, Trump and his aides repeatedly shouted at Zelensky in front of reporters, frustrated over Kyiv’s ongoing dependence on U.S. support. At one point, Trump even physically shoved Zelensky and sternly told him to "shut up" when the Ukrainian leader attempted to push for more aid. The heated exchange underscored the growing rift between Washington and Kyiv, further validating Khamenei’s warning about Western "allies" abandoning their so-called partners when they are no longer useful.
Opinion: A Lesson for Other U.S. Allies?
Khamenei’s remarks carry a broader message that extends beyond Ukraine. The reality is that U.S. foreign policy has a long history of propping up allied regimes only to discard them when circumstances change. From Afghanistan—where the U.S. abruptly withdrew in 2021, leaving the country to collapse—to Iraq, Libya, and now Ukraine, history is full of examples where American promises proved empty.
Nations that still place their trust in Washington—whether in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe—should take heed. As Ukraine’s experience shows, reliance on Western powers can turn into a dangerous gamble. When interests shift, allies can find themselves abandoned, left to deal with the fallout alone.
In the end, Ukraine’s fate may serve as a stark warning to other governments still clinging to the illusion of unwavering Western support.
