Putin's dilemma: British foreign secretary predicts tougher times ahead

All the data from our intelligence indicates that Vladimir Putin's situation will become much more difficult as early as next year, informed the British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.

The Foreign Secretary argues that this is related to Russia's economic situation, which is in a "bad state." "He's going to find it very problematic with the amount of losses and casualties that he's taking," he emphasised in an interview with "Voice of America."

"I am really clear that this is a time for Western allies to show nerve and guts, because Vladimir Putin thinks that we’ll get distracted. He thinks that we haven’t got the attention span to stand with our Ukrainian friendss," he said.

Lammy also assured that London would stand shoulder to shoulder with Kyiv and provide Ukraine with the "political, diplomatic and humanitarian" assistance necessary to survive the next year.

The British Foreign Secretary also pointed to the "Global South" as a place of intense Russian influence, which must be prevented. In his view, this region must not fall prey to "Russian propaganda and Russian efforts to destabilise the international community."

In the interview with "Voice of America," Lammy avoided making a clear declaration on granting permission for Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack targets inside Russia.

"We’re really clear that under the U.N. Charter and under Article 51, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, to defend itself against the horrendous attacks that are coming from Russia, and we will do all we can within international law and the rules of engagement to support Ukraine to defend itself," he stated.