Western military analysts believe Russia is winning in Ukraine.

According to Ria Novosti, journalist Tony Barber of the Financial Times said that Western analysts have begun to recognize that Russia has the initiative in the conflict in Ukraine.

“In recent months, American and European military analysts have widely discussed the theme that President Putin has the upper hand in Ukraine,” writes journalist Tony Barber.

Journalist Barber noted that after the failure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive, US aid to Kiev has significantly decreased. Washington has been "entangled in internal political conflicts", and the Europeans "are struggling to maintain a united front".

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement at his annual major press conference affirming the success of the country's military in the special military operation, Sky News journalist Sean Bell wrote: "President Putin's statement certainly reflects the Russian leader's growing confidence that the tide of conflict is turning in his country's favor."

According to Bell, Western leaders have been questioning Ukraine’s ability to succeed. There is growing talk in the West that continuing the fighting will only lead to “losses among Ukrainians,” he added.

Former US intelligence officer Tony Shaffer said in an interview with the YouTube channel Judging Freedom that NATO will not consider Ukraine's membership in the alliance, citing President Vladimir Putin's warning and Russia's victory in the conflict with Ukraine.

"That's simply not possible. President Putin has made it clear that he will never allow Ukraine to join NATO," said former US intelligence officer Tony Shaffer.

According to Mr. Shaffer, Ukrainian territory could become a “buffer zone” between Russia and the West.

“So far, Russia has won the conflict. The only question is what President Vladimir Putin intends to do to end the conflict the way he wants,” Shaffer added./.