And without vast new supplies of military aid and a free hand to use that aid effectively, most analysts believe Ukraine is likely to lose. Or at least be vulnerable to pressure to sign up to a peace deal that means giving up a great deal of territory as well as the freedom to make independent decisions about its security.

The former president thinks he can end the war in Ukraine. In reality, he’s preparing to hand Russia a win — and the consequences will be profound

“Ukraine is committed to the NPT (the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ); we do not possess, develop or intend to acquire nuclear weapons,” foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on X.