WITH the city of Pokrovsk falling into Vladimir Putin’s hands, Ukraine is toughening its next line of defence to show the Russian tyrant has won the battle – but not the war. In the

Rather, it is that support will become slower, stingier and more conditional just when Ukraine needs a predictable, multiyear framework to stabilise the front and the economy. Mr Zelensky’s own response captures the ambiguity of this moment.

According to multiple news outlets, Trump has blessed a 28-point plan to end the war between the two countries. The plan was negotiated by his envoys in conjunction with a top Vladimir Putin confidant.

28P offers naught to Ukraine for its years-long struggle of blood, tears, and sweat. It calls the brave nation to accept territorial losses and restrictions on its military size, capabilities, and alliances. In return, it is offered vague security guarantees not materially different from those of the Minsk Agreements.