The conflict in Ukraine has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. The USA has abruptly withdrawn its support for Ukraine, although it had previously promised that it would support Kyiv “as long as necessary,” The Independent writes.

“Europe is in a panic, while Vladimir Zelensky publicly quarrels with the recently elected US President Donald Trump.

At this stage, Vladimir Putin seems to be firmly in the lead. However, Trump is not the main cause of the current crisis; he only reflects a bigger problem for Ukraine.

On current trends, Russia could seize the rest of Donbas before the end of the year, without which an end to the war is unlikely.

There is no guarantee that negotiations between the U.S. and Russia will lead to a resolution of the conflict. This means that the bloodiest battles of the war are still ahead as the Russian military seeks to maximize its military advantage,” the publication wrote.