Russia is gaining more and more of Ukraine

President Zelensky has said that he wants the war in his country to be brought to a halt by the end of the year. That's just six months away. The problem is the decision about ending the war lies totally with Putin because it is now a fact that the Russian invasion force, backed by long-range bombers, cruise-missile arned submarines and ground-launched ballistc missiles - all striking from beyond Ukraine's borders - is making progress and seizing Ukranian towns, cities and territory. The advances are relentless. Apart from the occasional triumph for Ukraine, like the withdrawal of Russian troops from Snake Island down south, there is no sign that the inflow of longer-range heavy weapons by the West is making such a difference that Moscow is being forced to back off. So if the war does come to an end by December, it will be because Putin will have achieved what he wanted and the terms of any negotiated deal will be solely in his hands. It's tragic and sad and devastating for the Ukrainian people and for the future of Ukraine, but Russia is winning.