The article investigates the disparity in global responses to suffering, focusing on how pity is strategically used or withheld to influence political outcomes. Drawing on Aristotle’s concept of rhetoric and tragedy, the piece outlines the ‘Political Pity Equation’ (PPE), which identifies five key factors—undeserved suffering, surprise, gravity, resemblance, and closeness—that shape public empathy. It argues that these factors are manipulated to evoke selective pity, often serving geopolitical agendas. The article critiques the disproportionate sympathy for Ukraine compared to Palestine and Russia, suggesting that such responses are not always about justice but about managing public perception and maintaining soft power. It underscores the role of emotional narratives in shaping international reactions and highlights the ethical implications of using suffering as a political tool.