Exactly, and while I do think Ugledar happens to be strategically important, there is an undeniable factor of Ukraine being constrained by the need for optics. Since Ukraine is entirely dependent on the west to continue fighting, they’re conscious about them getting cold feet if they start thinking that Ukraine is a lost cause. This results in Ukraine holding every centimetre of territory to the last man, and doing stunts like Kursk. On the other hand, Russian military is free to make decisions regardless of the optics. They can give up territory, do tactical retreats, and so on. This is a huge advantage since it affords Russia far more operational freedom.
Exactly, and while I do think Ugledar happens to be strategically important, there is an undeniable factor of Ukraine being constrained by the need for optics. Since Ukraine is entirely dependent on the west to continue fighting, they’re conscious about them getting cold feet if they start thinking that Ukraine is a lost cause. This results in Ukraine holding every centimetre of territory to the last man, and doing stunts like Kursk. On the other hand, Russian military is free to make decisions regardless of the optics. They can give up territory, do tactical retreats, and so on. This is a huge advantage since it affords Russia far more operational freedom.