Editor's Note: This assessment is the first of a two-part series that explores whether Ukraine or Russia is more capable of emerging victorious from a protracted war. The first part, which outlines the current battlefield dynamics and dissects the argument that time is on Kyiv's side, can be found here . Ukraine hopes Russia's battered weaponry, limited troop numbers, and withering economy will eventually give Kyiv a window of opportunity. But Ukraine's ability to attain sufficient Western support is not guaranteed. Given the limited prospects of Ukrainian counteroffensives this year, Ukraine and the West must find other ways to answer the opposing argument that time largely leans in Russia's favor. Because as things stand, a freezing of the conflict near its current lines would be catastrophic for Ukraine, a costly outcome for the West and a victory for Russia.