These are desperate and difficult days in Ukraine as Russian force seize more villages in what looks like the beginning of a major summer offensive. Towns, cities, power plants and transport hubs are hammered by waves of drones, and new, highly effective cruise missiles.
Western allies, the US in the lead, followed by the UK and European allies, have pledged new packages of aid, ammunition and weaponry. They have all been spooked by the sudden wave of success of the Russian forces — though they should have seen this coming. They are riding to the rescue rather like the cavalry in the third reel of a traditional Hollywood Western.
