At the Munich Conference, Western leaders acknowledged Ukraine’s inability to prevail

A year ago, delegates at the Munich Security Conference were optimistic about Ukraine’s prospects, but today, due to Russia’s victories, their confidence in the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been shaken. They acknowledged that Kyiv needs ammunition, but replenishing the shortage of munitions is extremely challenging, reports Financial Times.

“The free world says all the right things but does not act as the moment demands. And the moment now is the most dismal,” the article notes. Preparation for the Munich Conference was overshadowed by shocking statements from Donald Trump this month, when he said that Russia can “do whatever the hell it wants” with NATO countries that have failed to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense.

This year, prospects are darkening as Russia rebuilds its army and transitions to a wartime economy. “We will see Ukraine suffer losses on the battlefield, we will see significant successes by Russia, and Ukrainians will be left without ammunition, experts predict. Now there was a real sense of frustration among Ukrainians.