A victory for Putin means, in due time, a re-charting of the entire map of Europe, to suit his vision of a Russian empire that never lost the Cold War. The only way to end the war in Ukraine is to ensure that Russia loses and that Ukraine wins.

The US President has limited options to pressure the Kremlin to end the war, with the main strategy being the continued support of Ukraine with military supplies, according to analysts. For over a week,

Concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump might weaken support for Ukraine or reach unfavorable compromises are unfounded, writes "The Independent," citing well-informed sources. According to them, the head of the White House "aims to end the war by the spring.