Sean Bell, a former RAF Air Vice-Marshal and Ministry of Defence (MoD) staffer, means that the warfare has weakened Russia to such an extent that it "no longer poses a credible threat to Europe". Given this, Bell argues that "the Western objective of this conflict has been achieved".

Writing for Sky, Bell said: "Having achieved their strategic objective, Western democratic governments must also address the cost of living crisis, domestic priorities, and re-building national weapons inventories."

Ukraine, nevertheless, has not but met its goal, which is to liberate its territory. Bell writes: "The harsh actuality is that Ukraine's aims are not aligned with their backers."

Many Ukrainians will stay decided to expel all Russians from their territory. That is Ukraine's proper, their struggle, their future, and their sacrifice.

"The ensuing sacrifices, devastation and suffering will leave a dreadful legacy, but what is the price for peace?"

"Many Ukrainians will stay decided to expel all Russians from their territory. That is Ukraine's proper, their struggle, their future, and their sacrifice.

"The ensuing sacrifices, devastation and suffering will leave a dreadful legacy, but what is the price for peace?"