Missiles from North Korea, drones from Iran, and a massive amount of technical assistance from China. Russian President Vladimir Putin may complain about the backing Ukraine is receiving from its Nato allies, but it is doubtful that Russia would be able to maintain its military offensive without the help it is getting from its motley collection of autocratic friends.

Just as Russia must be denied victory in Ukraine, so Iran’s attempts to destabilise the Middle East must be resisted, and China’s plan to conquer Taiwan be denied.