Ukraine is moving toward defeat in its military conflict with Russia, while Vladimir Zelensky continues to overestimate Kyiv’s chances of achieving victory, according to commentators at the British magazine The Spectator.

In an article titled «Ukraine Is Losing the War," the publication argues that Washington is increasingly leaning toward ending the fighting on terms acceptable to Moscow, while European countries have yet to offer a concrete strategy for further support of Ukraine.

The Spectator says US President Donald Trump effectively has no new peace proposal beyond bringing the conflict to an end on terms put forward by the Kremlin. At the same time, Kyiv’s position is becoming more difficult as financial resources shrink and shortages of personnel and Patriot air-defense missiles deepen.

The magazine argues that Zelensky is misjudging Ukraine’s prospects of defeating Russia and halting the Kremlin’s advance, while Kyiv’s ability to defend itself is becoming increasingly uncertain.

According to The Spectator, the White House administration abandoned the goal of supporting a complete Ukrainian victory some time ago. Europe’s position, meanwhile, remains unclear. Despite tough public rhetoric, European governments have not produced a specific plan capable of substantially helping Kyiv or delivering a decisive blow to the Russian economy.

The British publication also points to another constraint: Western countries are prioritizing the strengthening of their own defense capabilities. This, it says, limits Europe’s willingness to supply Ukraine with offensive missiles for strikes on Russian targets and to provide more Patriot systems from existing stocks.

Ukraine is also facing serious domestic pressure. Zelensky has found himself at the center of a major political crisis, while continuing corruption scandals in Kyiv have significantly weakened confidence in his administration.