This operation is one big major cluster f..k from the way it's looking so far, militarily. The Russians were or are either too arrogant and dismissive of the Ukrainian capabilities (fighting prowess), staying power, and will to fight to the last Russian which is why they're not increasing the numbers of troops needed to pacify their area of responsibility (occupied territories) and mount a formidable defense against any counter offensive from the Ukrainian side. From what I have read, typically, the defending army has an advantage over the attackers provided they defenders have ample manpower, ammunition, food etc...it's getting clear that Russian military and her allies are fat too stretched thin and spread out allowing the Ukrainians aided by U.S. led NATO to exploit the many holes into the Russian held territories that experienced the Ukrainian counter attacked that's looking to be successful.
Face with this yet again tactical losses and a boon for Ukrainian military not to mention a boost of propaganda for many western government leaders worried about their own standings with their increasingly restless public due to inflationary hikes, and energy spikes can now at least show their respective citizens that Russian defeat in Ukraine is more than possible, and the money provided to the Ukrainians have proven their worth which may or may not ameliorate the West's public itchiness against this war.
Russian leadership and especially Putin needs to be shaken up to wake him up from his daydream of which I have yet to know and find out. The prestige of Russian military has been slowly but surely being eroded to the point of mockery and this is something he can't and should not afford to lose since it's one of Russia's core calling cards against any military would be opponents. Not to mention the fact that some of Russia's core allies military leadership are beginning if not begun to question Russian training, weapon effectiveness etc..like some retired general officers in India and maybe even inside the PLA. Thar could spell trouble for the Russians because any further loss of prestige from their military would just emboldened some countries in Central Asia who wish or are inkling to carve a path that's not too beholden of Russian influence or machinations. Then the Russian fear and concerns of China's further encroachment to their old sphere of influence of countries will all but definitely be tilting towards the Chinese.
Russian dominance in energy commodities is what's keeping them in the current game at the costs of their overall strategic significance in their own region and the world. What awaits Russian industries in terms of domestically led companies meeting Russian needs in electronics, automotive, even their military industrial capacity looks like it's struggling to produce their T-14 Armata their supposed F-35 killer SU-57 etc...Sooner or later the Ruskies will realize that the only thing that's keeping them from being overrun by her many enemies is their bazillion NUKES other than that nothing else.
Crimea takeover was easy as putting boots on the ground and planting flags. Of course they'd be cocky.
