Quote Originally Posted by Gilrandir View Post
It seems that it is true in respect of Crimea (although the signs of dissatisfaction at the failed expectations of those who welcomed Russia there are more and more evident). But believe it or not, Russia is anxious now to squeeze the occupied Donbas into Ukraine. First of all, it is finding it increasingly hard to sustain the social spheres of DPR and LPR. Second of all, if the occupied territories return on Putin's conditions, it will allow him to exercise control over whole Ukraine. It is Ukraine now that prevaricates and doesn't want to burden itself with the ruined areas rampant with a significant percentage of hostile population whose minds are being poisoned by RT. Popular sentiment in Ukraine is also far from being absolutely in favor of returning DPR and LPR. For the time being this stalemate seems advantageous for Ukraine hoping to outlast Putin's regime. However feeble this hope may seem, we should remember that about 30 years ago noboby would have ever thought that the USSR is doomed. And yet its collapse came about.
Russia's capabilities were stretched for a while. However, its troops should be returning from their recent deployment in France.