There has, I think, been an assumption among some that the war in Ukraine can “safely” be left in a state of stalemate, but that ignores the uncomfortable reality that Ukraine’s position in its east is looking increasingly shaky. Ukraine’s commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, has described how the situation there has “significantly worsened in recent days.”
The Russians have been intensifying their attacks in the Donbas region, part, presumably, of the softening up of Ukrainian defenses ahead of what is expected to be a major offensive within the next few months. It is also taking steps to secure its position in the territories it has occupied, including building a railway line through them. This would be useful in supplying logistical support for any offensive and also offers Russia a link to Crimea that may be more secure (or reparable) than its vulnerable bridge to the peninsula.
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