Ukraine on the defensive as Russia war enters third year amid weakening West support

Ukraine’s troops are short of manpower and running low on Western-supplied weapons, while the Russian army has in turn built up a position of strength

In Kyiv, many say they have grown accustomed to wartime conditions but hope the conflict ends ‘as quickly as possible’

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Ukrainian recruits under the guidance of British soldiers train at an army camp in southwest England on February 20. Photo: AP

Published: 11:34am, 24 Feb 2024Updated: 2:10pm, 24 Feb 2024

Ukraine on Saturday marked two years since Russia’s invasion, entering a new year of war weakened by a lack of Western aid while Russia is emboldened by fresh gains.

When Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” at dawn on February 24, 2022, many expected Moscow’s victory within days, but Ukraine fought back, forcing Russian troops into humiliating retreats.

But Ukraine has suffered setbacks with the failure of its 2023 counteroffensive. The Russian army has in turn built up a position of strength thanks to booming war production, while Ukraine’s troops are short of manpower and running low on Western-supplied ammunition for artillery and air defences.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that decisions on arms supplies have to be “the priority”.

Saturday’s anniversary saw visits by Western leaders including EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, but the overall picture remains bleak for Kyiv due to the US Congress blocking a vital US$60 billion aid package. This has come on top of delays in promised European deliveries.

US President Joe Biden renewed calls for Republican lawmakers to unblock the additional funding, warning that “history is waiting” and “failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten”.

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Ukraine on the defensive as Russia war enters third year amid weakening West support

Ukraine’s troops are short of manpower and running low on Western-supplied weapons, while the Russian army has in turn built up a position of strength In Kyiv, many say they have grown accustomed to wartime conditions but hope the conflict ends ‘as quickly as possible’

Ukraine’s troops are short of manpower and running low on Western-supplied weapons, while the Russian army has in turn built up a position of strength

In Kyiv, many say they have grown accustomed to wartime conditions but hope the conflict ends ‘as quickly as possible’