Ukraine could have ended Putin last year as West blasted for missing key opportunity | World | News [Video]

Putin could have been beaten in his war last year, experts have said (Image: Getty)

Vladimir Putin could have been driven out of Ukraine for good as early as last year if the West hadn’t taken its eye of the ball, analysts have told Daily Express US.

The US this week announced a major $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine after months of delay due to Republican opposition.

While experts agree this vital support will help Kyiv continue to fend off Putin’s troops, one said the West missed a key opportunity to put an end to the conflict once and for all.

Brandon Weichert, a National Security Analyst for The National Interest, told Daily Express US: “There was a moment a year-and-a-half ago when the Ukrainians successfully defended Kyiv.

“At that moment, the Ukrainians had maximum leverage over the Russians. The Istanbul Conference was occurring simultaneously with the successful defense of Kyiv.

Ukrainian …