For all the apparent advances in modern warfare, parts of the front line in Ukraine resemble First World War battlefields. Troops are dug into trenches while the enemy mercilessly pounds towns and villages with shells. At least in 1914, there was a Christmas truce, but Vladimir Putin has not offered the Ukrainians such a respite.
Yesterday, terrified residents were fleeing the city of Kherson, which Ukrainian forces had recaptured earlier in the month but which is now a target for Russian rocket attacks. The Kremlin’s rag-tag army could not hold onto captured territory and is reduced to firing missiles across the Dnipro river at defenceless civilians. In the past 24 hours, Russian forces had shelled 33 targets, including a maternity hospital and critical infrastructure like electricity and water facilities.
The attacks underline the importance of supplying Ukraine with more equipment to bolster its security around key cities. On his recent visit to Washington, Volodymyr Zelensky was promised all the help he needed, including the Patriot missile system. This is far superior to anything the Russians have or are able to buy from the few countries prepared to supply them, such as Iran.
The Patriot was originally designed as an anti-aircraft system but newer variants are used primarily to engage ballistic missiles. The Americans are expected to send one battery, but there are strong arguments in favour of more as the maximum strike range of each is only about 100 miles. That could help defend a single city like Kyiv. Ukraine has had some success with drones shooting down missiles but will need more sophisticated counter-measures.
President Zelensky’s US visit appears to have countered growing opposition to deepening American involvement in the war. But this has become a proxy fight between Moscow and the West which the former cannot be allowed to win. As Russia depletes its dwindling stockpiles of ordnance, the balance of power will shift Ukraine’s way if it can continue to tap into superior Nato firepower.
The US is planning a package of additional military assistance to Ukraine to which other Nato countries need to contribute, especially those that have shown reluctance to do so, such as Germany. The Kremlin has hinted at a massive counter-offensive in February. With the proper defensive equipment, the Russians will be no more successful than last time.
The West's support for Ukraine must not waver now
Vladimir Putin shows little sign of relenting in his assault on the country