And then on February 24 the world changed as Russia’s forces entered Ukraine.
This year will almost certainly decide the long-term consequences of Russia’s behaviour.
Bluntly, unless Russia is defeated – unambiguously – the world will enter a dark period where all that matters is might.
International law will have been smashed and Western democracies exposed as pusillanimous.
That message will resonate across the planet, not least with the Chinese, who will see it as a clear message that our words of defiance and solidarity are meaningless.
Under the leadership of President Zelensky, the Ukrainians have inspired the free world with their resistance and have exposed as a myth the idea that Russia’s military is unbeatable.
But while Ukraine’s armed forces have proved exceptionally able and agile, they are wholly dependent on Western support.
We should take some pride in the way we have rallied to their cause – and for the imposition of serious sanctions against Russia and Putin’s allies.
But what we have done so far will count for nothing as the fighting continues. Russia will win a war of attrition unless we continue to give Ukraine what it needs to defeat the invader.
And if Russia wins – or is able convincingly to claim a victory – then the game is over for all of us.
この記事は Sunday Express の January 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は Sunday Express の January 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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