And then on February 24 the world changed as Russia’s forces entered Ukraine.
This year will almost certainly decide the long-term consequences of Russia’s behaviour.
Bluntly, unless Russia is defeated – unambiguously – the world will enter a dark period where all that matters is might.
International law will have been smashed and Western democracies exposed as pusillanimous.
That message will resonate across the planet, not least with the Chinese, who will see it as a clear message that our words of defiance and solidarity are meaningless.
Under the leadership of President Zelensky, the Ukrainians have inspired the free world with their resistance and have exposed as a myth the idea that Russia’s military is unbeatable.
But while Ukraine’s armed forces have proved exceptionally able and agile, they are wholly dependent on Western support.
We should take some pride in the way we have rallied to their cause – and for the imposition of serious sanctions against Russia and Putin’s allies.
But what we have done so far will count for nothing as the fighting continues. Russia will win a war of attrition unless we continue to give Ukraine what it needs to defeat the invader.
And if Russia wins – or is able convincingly to claim a victory – then the game is over for all of us.
This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 01, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Armchair viewers' blank afternoon
TEMPERATURES below freezing wiped out both of the ITV fixtures yesterday leaving viewers without any live racing to watch.
Kyrgios slams Sinner and will not be silenced
NICK KYRGIOS has warned he is not going “to shut up” about Italian hero Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests in the build-up to the Australian Open.
Will power for Sarries
TOM WILLIS surged over for two tries to give England boss Steve Borthwick another compelling reminder that his Test debut is overdue.
NOW HAAL'S WELL AGAIN AT ETIHAD
THE crisis is officially over and normal service has resumed.
NWANERI ONLY HIGH SPOT FOR GUNNERS
Lacklustre draw deals title hopes fresh blow
Stroke victim meets cops who saved her
A WOMAN who had a cardiac arrest and stroke while driving and miraculously survived has been reunited with the officers who saved her life.
Mum's cash crisis after cancer bills
A MOTHER-of-three whose mouth cancer was missed due to Covid restrictions is now facing eviction after failing to pay bills during her two years of treatment and rehabilitation.
100 'jump dock' at court despite £7m safety drive
MORE than 100 prisoners have escaped custody by jumping out of the dock during the last seven years - despite a government-funded scheme to make courts more secure.
We must teach pupils why Britain is 'Great'
ALMOST from the moment the first child crossed the threshold and entered a classroom, governments, dictators and other political leaders have sought to use education as a means of indoctrination and controlling the population.
Half a billion in pensions to dead people
BUNGLING civil servants overpaid £511.8 million in state pensions and pension credits to dead recipients, and failed to claw back £256.8m of it over the past five years.