View from London: “There is a growing understanding across the Western allies that Ukraine is losing the ground war against Russia”

What next…

The British press began to show panicky sentiments. There is a growing understanding across the Western allies that Ukraine is losing the ground war against Russia, and by summer could face defeat. We must realize now that the fate of Ukraine now governs the security of the Western world, cries ‘The Standard’.

Russia is pounding front lines with artillery, rocket and drone fire — and at over five times the rate the Ukrainian army can reply.

The Western response has been patchy to the prospect of a Russian breakthrough within weeks. Artillery stocks, even for their own arsenals in the cases of Britain, Germany and the US, will not be replenished fully for another two years. Germany has increased defence spending but refuses to send game-changing weapons like the Taurus missile.

If Zelensky is defeated, Kyiv and Odesa reduced to husks, the Western allies will have to do even more to respond. Vladimir Putin, in the wake of the Crocus City Hall massacre, has made it plain that his fight now is not only against the “neo-Nazi” Ukraine, but against the “neo-Nazi West”, of which the Kyiv regime is merely a brand leader.

The Western alliance seems oddly. The American Ukraine policy is ensnared by congressional in-fighting. European partners like Germany, gas-strapped Italy and Spain covertly or overtly are looking for a soft deal with Russia.

For Britain it is time for a reality check. Our governments boast we spend more than 2.1 per cent of GDP – but the figure only works if you include, pensions and the full range of welfare payments. A simple, practical defence review is needed within months from the next government taking office.

Sadly, the omens from Ukraine suggest that may be too late…

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