Fhooting..

 

The Ukrainian president’s shooting star has lost much of its altitude and gleam as Russia’s grinding invasion approaches the two-year mark.
An old war has turned into a plodding stalemate. The ballyhooed Ukrainian “offensive” has stalled. 

The promised “breakthrough” remains stubbornly elusive – if possible at all.

 The lethal, tit-for-tat exchanges have sadly become routine. Stoicism has replaced outrage. However it may be defined, “victory” is far beyond strategic or even conceivable reach.

Mass demonstrations of solidarity with Ukraine’s “brave” and “just” fight disappeared many months ago. 

Lately, the only “news” that Zelenskyy and Ukraine are inviting is mostly bad – courtesy, in part, of unflattering leaks from a skittish White House.    

Andrew Mitrovica  Al Jazeera columnist