Even the western spinmeisters are waking up to the fact that nothing can prevent a Russian victory now.

As they reach the bottom of the barrel of funds, weapons and manpower, the imperialists need a frontman who is capable of suing for peace.

Despite sending ever more powerful weapons to Ukraine, the only thing the imperialists have achieved is the death of more Ukrainians.

Collective west hopes dashed once more, as President Putin remains firmly in charge and Russia’s military continues to grind down Nato’s proxies in Ukraine.

Zelensky’s US backers are determined to keep on fighting to the last Ukrainian and beyond, but could the beleaguered regime decide in favour of a face-saving deal?

Even as their proxies are collapsing at the front and behind the lines, the USA and its EU allies are pressing on with their plans to carve up Russia.

With Ukraine’s defeat in this pivotal battle now certain, western media are rushing to assure their audiences the town holds no significance.

But it will deepen and expand the fissures within the imperialist camp itself, as the demise of the west accelerates.

The advance of Ukraine’s armed forces into territory from which Russian forces had already withdrawn, is not the ‘turning point’ western media are claiming.