First year of war in Ukraine has been one of suffering, loss of life, and remarkable surprises

Russia vastly underestimated the incredible fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the remarkable support of the West, writes Andrew Cottey

The Ukrainian armed forces’ ability to integrate and make use of Western military technology and assistance has been striking — reflecting how far it has departed from the Soviet model which still characterises the Russian military. File picture: AP/Alexei Alexandrov

When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine a year ago, many observers expected Ukraine to collapse quickly and Russia to take control of at least the eastern half of the country.

The first year of the war in Ukraine has been one of appalling loss of life and human suffering but also remarkable surprises.