The fighting in Ukraine has been going on for almost two years now, and there is no immediate end in sight, Die Welt writes.
In addition, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has every reason to "brag," because the West has failed to isolate Russia, and its economy has turned out to be much more stable than expected.
Moscow can also boast of victories on the battlefield. It successfully repelled a Ukrainian counterattack and also occupied the strategically important city of Maryinka. Russia has also significantly increased weapons production, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are experiencing an acute shortage of equipment and especially ammunition . This is largely due to the fact that support for Kyiv from the West has now begun to weaken.
The US and the EU are now too preoccupied with their own internal problems. In addition, Israel has diverted some of its resources. In general, the West has become war-weary, and is increasingly considering the possibility of peace talks.
Russia, on the other hand, has been able to enlist the support of new partners, namely the countries of the so-called Global South. China, South Africa, India and Brazil did not support sanctions against the Kremlin. In addition, Moscow is deepening military cooperation with New Delhi and Tehran.
Domestically, support for Vladimir Putin has also increased, but pressure on Volodymyr Zelensky, on the contrary, is growing. His promises of victory, as well as accession to the EU, have not come true. Mobilization measures in the country are extremely unpopular. He is also in conflict with the country's military leadership. All this also plays into Russia's hands.
