Behind the decision to dramatically increase Western military aid to Ukraine is the concern of some Western capitals, which is really on the side of Russia.. According to him, the window of opportunity for Ukraine is not forever.. And Kyiv urgently needs powerful Western weapons: tanks, other armored vehicles and air defense systems to bolster the momentum that the Ukrainian army achieved in the Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson regions last year..

“This is in contrast to the sentiment that prevailed last spring when Russian troops were retreating from Kyiv.. Then the original military plan of Vladimir Putin failed.. And Western governments hoped that the longer the fighting went on, the more likely it was that Ukraine would prevail..

Western officials have said that if Europe and Washington remain resilient and united after a hard winter, Russia's economic woes and military setbacks compounded by sanctions could force Moscow to look for a way out of the conflict and sue for peace.. But as the Russian invasion approaches its first anniversary, that confidence has begun to evaporate.. At the same time, officials in some capitals fear that the Kremlin, ready to throw people and resources into the vent, could win any long war of attrition.. Therefore, it is better to give Ukraine more advanced weapons that will help change the dynamics of the war and suppress the Russian ability to fight..

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The Russian army lost its best fighters and equipment. There are indications that it lacks important military capabilities, including some precision missiles.. Some of the West's toughest sanctions, such as an embargo on Russian oil and a cap on Russian barrels, have just begun to work.. The Russian economy is expected to face a major recession this year and could potentially remain in a reduced state for many years to come.. However, there is nothing to suggest that sanctions can stop the Russian army or deprive the Kremlin of support in the war, given its knack for suppressing any dissent..

Russia is going to launch a new offensive in the coming months. Better-trained mobilized soldiers fill the ranks of the Russian army and are ready for the grueling battles that seem to have brought some success to Moscow near Bakhmut. The Wall Street Journal calls the decision of the US, Britain and Germany to send Western tanks to Ukraine a public manifestation of a change of mood in the West. In combination with other armored vehicles and air defense systems, this arsenal should help Kyiv not only repel any Russian offensive, but also provide it with everything necessary to liberate the occupied territories in order to get a better position in potential peace negotiations..

British officials have been most clear about the growing threat from Russia over time, noting the urgency of handing over weapons to Kyiv that could help it move forward..

“We have a window of opportunity to accelerate efforts to bring lasting peace to Ukrainians. Let's do it,"

Another factor that makes Ukraine's allies better hurry up is public opinion in Europe and the United States.. Europeans and Americans now support the transfer of financial and military assistance to Kyiv. But Putin may hope that this support will evaporate over the years.. Moreover, administrations in the US and other countries will change.

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There is also concern about the feasibility of the goal of increased arms transfers, namely to end the war as soon as possible.. The Ukrainian army has surpassed all expectations, demonstrating the ability to quickly learn to use and integrate sophisticated Western weapons.. However, there is no guarantee that Ukraine will be able to conduct successful offensive operations again, as it was in the fall.. Also, in Western capitals, no one believes that Putin will ever agree to an end to the conflict without conquering Ukraine..

Anna Wieslander, director of the North European program at the Atlantic Council think tank, doubts that the West has formulated a clear strategy to increase arms transfers to help Ukraine achieve clearly defined goals in the war..

“This is a very transformational period in the conflict. But for me, the reaction of Western capitals is still tactical.. We lack a common vision of how the war should end and to what extent these supplies correspond to such a vision,” she explained..