RUSSIA’S unlimited military resources are systematically bludgeoning Ukraine into submission.
The tactics are reminiscent of the way the Germans were driven back to Berlin in World War Two.
Putin cares not one jot for his own losses or for the untold misery he is heaping on Ukraine.
He will keep going until the former USSR is restored.
This week, two years after the Russians invaded, President Zelensky confirmed the death toll stands at 31,000, while Russia has lost six times as many soldiers.
While the ratio is testament to the tenacity of the 880,000 Ukrainian soldiers defending the 600-mile front line, they’ve had no rest for two years, according to their President.
So far, he has blocked mass mobilisation, saying, “either you fight or you work.”
But the average age of a soldier is now 43, and the army is reportedly depleted, disillusioned and frequently unable to go on leave for lack of replacements.
Encouraged by their parents, it’s believed that 25,000 Ukrainians of fighting age have fled the country and a further 18,000 arrested for trying to do so.
In contrast, Russia wields mass conscription and devotes a third of its economy to waging war.
Despite this, Ukraine’s military leaders believe they can win, given enough jets, drones, missiles, artillery and air defences.
Yet their biggest donor, the US, is mired in budgetary disagreements, holding up a proposed $95 billion aid package.
Meanwhile the UK has committed an additional £2.5 billion and EU leaders are meeting to accelerate supply of weapons and financial aid.
But time is running out.
If Putin prevails, Europe’s eastern border will become the next flashpoint for Nato and the West, leading, potentially, to World War Three.
That’s too great a risk.
Ukraine must win.