It’s been a year since Ukraine’s much-anticipated spring counteroffensive against Russia fell short of expectations, leading to a loss of ground on the frontline. Despite a delay in US Congress passing a multi-billion dollar aid package for Kyiv, Ukraine has put up a strong defence, according to military analyst Sean Bell.
However, with Russia gaining momentum and preparing for a potential summer offensive, the situation remains precarious. Bell warns that Putin is playing a long game, with Russia’s superior military capabilities and sustainable funding posing a significant challenge to Ukraine’s Western-dependent aid.
The US decision to provide $60bn in military aid to Ukraine may help turn the tide, but Bell believes that Western hesitation has emboldened Putin, making him a more dangerous threat to the West in the future. Despite Ukraine’s plea for the same level of support as Israel, the West has been reluctant to intervene decisively.
As Ukraine braces for a difficult spring and summer, the possibility of Russian advances looms large. Bell emphasizes the importance of Western allies stepping up to defend Ukraine and prevent further Russian aggression. With Putin’s strategic goals in mind, the need for swift and decisive action from the West has never been more urgent.
