Pakistan, Feb. 23 -- For the last two years, Ukraine has counted on Western support, led by the US, for not just military equipment and economic aid, but a near-blank check of diplomatic support.

All this is set to change as the previously simmering-behind-the-scenes tensions between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government fully erupted into public view on Wednesday. Washington is contemplating a major shift in its approach to the conflict, aiming to "end the war in one day." However, there is uncertainty about how to safeguard Ukraine's interests, particularly amid controversial claims that Kyiv bears some responsibility for initiating the invasion.

This invasion has, to date, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 46,000...