Meanwhile, western leaders have been urged to indicate continued help for Ukraine, even within the occasion that its counteroffensive fails to finish the struggle. Failing to offer sufficient help to President Zelensky may see China "capitalise on the injury brought on by Russia".

Dr Stepan Stepanenko, Head of British Friends of Ukraine, argued that to ensure that the west to win the ideological battle in opposition to authoritarianism, it should guarantee Putin doesn't win the struggle.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he mentioned: "A minor Ukrainian victory will be used as a tool by both Russia and China. Should this occur, the finger of blame should be pointed not at Ukraine but at its western allies who have dithered and delayed on delivering the tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery and aeroplanes that Ukraine has been asking for for over a yr now.