Russia to crush Ukraine without West's support, NATO ex-chief warns

Former NATO chief Philip Breedlove issues a stark warning, asserting that Ukraine faces inevitable defeat in its conflict with Russia if abandoned by the West. 

In an interview with Newsweek, Breedlove emphasised the potential dire consequences: "If the West abandons Ukraine, it will fight valiantly, but tens of thousands more Ukrainians will die, and eventually, Russia will subjugate all of Ukraine, which will once again be a Russian vassal."

Breedlove, who served as NATO commander from 2013 to 2016, argued that Russia's advantage lies in its larger population and depth compared to Ukraine. 

However, he stressed that with sufficient support from the West, Ukraine could emerge victorious in the war. He emphasised the critical role of Western policymakers in determining the outcome: "If the West chooses to give Ukraine what they need to win, Ukraine will win this war. 

This war is going to end exactly how Western policymakers want and desire it to end."

These comments come at a time when congressional Republicans pose a hurdle to providing more support to Ukraine. In December, the GOP blocked an emergency spending bill aimed at offering additional US aid to Ukraine. 

Despite this, President Joe Biden signalled continued assistance to Ukraine, stating in a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, "We'll continue to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment as long as we can." 

Representatives for Breedlove did not immediately respond to requests for comment.