LONDON - When Russian troops launched their all-out invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022, nobody believed that Ukraine could last for more than just a few weeks.
Yet, two years on, Ukraine remains independent and the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky, which Russia was so determined to overthrow, not only survived intact but has also not budged from Kyiv, the capital.
However, as the war enters its third year, international military backing and political admiration for Ukraine's brave resistance are wearing thin.
Supplying weapons to Ukraine is now a profoundly divisive party-political matter in the United States, a skirmish that has E almost paralysed Congress.
And although most Europeans still root for Ukraine to win the war, an extensive public opinion survey released on Feb 21 by the European Council on Foreign E Relations (ECFR), a think-tank, E indicates that barely 10 per cent of Europe's voters believe that Ukraine can still defeat Russia.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Ukraine's armed forces are now in a slow but clear retreat.
It is too early to conclude that it has lost the war, but it is becoming clear that if Ukraine does not get massive fresh deliveries of weapons in the next few months, the country will struggle to continue the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose obsession with seizing Ukraine is a critical driver E in this conflict, may well emerge triumphant.
What went wrong with the E successful Western strategy of supporting Ukraine? Just about everything.
First, it is worth recalling that while the US intelligence services tracked Russia's invasion preparations right from the beginning and accurately predicted even the precise day of the Russian attack, the last thing Western governments expected was that they would have to supply weapons to Ukraine for a lengthy war.
Esta historia es de la edición February 24, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 24, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.