By removing the ‘Ukraine salient’ which currently penetrates deep into Russia’s southern border, Russia will shorten its southern frontline in a very big way. This will then require a smaller military to offer the same amount of defence.

If Russia’s intention is to secure its southern border, I am now starting to ponder?, if not conclude, that Russia may well be privately aiming for a military western advance into Ukraine, – but only until it reaches a depth that is roughly in line with its border to its ally Belarus?

If this is the intention?, then to my mind, the region between Kiev and Zhytomir would be the perfect area to halt one’s western advance, – this would create an ideal vertical continuation of Russia’s border from its ally Belarus to Moldova.

A Russian counter-offensive could result in the complete destruction of Ukraine’s remaining military – www.cairnsnews.org