Russia Might Win in Ukraine. China Can’t
The price Beijing has paid for Vladimir Putin’s invasion is steep and will only mount with further Russian gains on the battlefield.
Friends without benefits.
Photographer: Sergei Savostyanov/AFP/Getty Images
As the bloody war in Ukraine marks its second anniversary, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely feeling more relaxed, even vindicated, about his strategic bet on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last year at this time, Russia appeared on the verge of a disastrous defeat as Ukrainian forces equipped with advanced Western weaponry prepared to launch a powerful counter-offensive, hoping to sever the land bridge between Crimea and Russia.
Putin’s position has strengthened immeasurably since then. A tenacious defense blunted the Ukrainian offensive. Russian troops have gone on to make their own gains, recently seizing the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka. Most importantly, Republicans in Congress are blocking a crucial $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. With Russia’s weapons factories humming and Western aid drying up, the odds of Putin achieving something he can claim as a victory in Ukraine are rising.