>>/47128/
> there is costly as it is right near the capital of Ukrainian, it's not strictly necessary for taking Donbas either.
They are tying down great amount of forces.

 >>/47129/
Perhaps. I'm really curious about phase 2. Right now in the north it's all withdrawing or regrouping (depending who says it).

 >>/47130/
That doesn't look good for Russia, getting struck at home.
If Ukrainians managed then:
- this makes Russia look weak;
- the demilitarization doesn't go well.
If Russians did this to blame Ukrainians:
- can be used as an excuse to continue the war;
- I don't think they really need any excuse to continue at this point;
- an Ukrainian strike makes them looks weak;
- it creates the appearance that the demilitarization effort doesn't go well.