Like a body puncher that wears down his opponent before a final knockout blow is exactly what is happening in this war.
Since the initial incursions by both sides, the Russians have engaged in an active defense strategy, also known as a war of attrition. The objective is not territorial gain but the systematic destruction of the enemies armed forces. This strategy also has the advantage of minimizing casualties as it is usually more costly to attack than defend. In the meantime , destroy command and control, energy and munitions depots via heavy, long range strike weapons.
To categorize this conflict as a stalemate, by Western MSM ,is wishful thinking. Although engaged in active defense, the Russians are incrementally gaining territory. Witness the Ukrainian defensive belt at AdvIevka is now under Russian control.
Some forget, the vaunted Ukrainian counter offensive was beaten back with the loss of 71,000 Ukrainian KIA.
Russia has air superiority and near air supremacy, superior ISR, awash in heavy, long range strike weapons, armor and above all, manpower. The green rat is in desperate straits and a cornered rat may do anything to survive. The recent terrorist attack, organized and supported by Ukrainian nationalists, is a stark example.
I could be mistakeN but I believe, as soon as the Russians conclude that the AFU is weakened enough, they will move on Kharkov, Zaporozhe, Odessa and Kiev.
Putin has also warned that foreign airbases employed to launch F16S or otherwise, are fair game to be eliminated.
