It is also clear that the slow grinding pace of the Russian advances suits Russia just fine. It is the western countries pouring in arms and aid who are suffering after their idiotic and backfiring sanctions. Most of the world are ignoring illegal western sanctions and trading with Russia. The Rouble is stronger than ever, Russian income from gas and oil booming because of the increased prices caused by self defeating Western actions.
The longer it takes is just more pain for the west. Russia is taking minimal losses while the Ukrainian army is being ground up by relentless artillery and taking huge losses. NATO are powerless to do anything about it. The vast majority of the world cheering on the Fall of Empire.
Some years back, on this thread, Russian military tech and the effect on modern warfare was discussed. It was apparent then and is being demonstrated now that missile technology, electronic warfare advances and air and missile defence systems way in advance of anything the US/UK NATO possess would and have nullified NATO power. Some dismissed it as propaganda or something.
NATO are only good for bullying weak defenceless countries. They have no answer to strong air defence and missile tech. NATO aircraft carriers and air power are rendered useless by a few thousand dollars missile. I said this years ago. It is unarguable now. NATO will be forced to draw down around the world, it is just a matter of time. So many bases will become(have become) indefensible.
The longer the Ukraine war carries on, the more pain will be felt in the western countries sponsoring the whole shit-show. Inflation rocketing, fuel and energy prices rocketing. Blaming Russia and Putin for everything is wearing thin even amongst the apathetic now.
Who believes that this ends any other way than when Russia says so? Ukraine will be left a land locked rump state at best. The entire Black Sea coast will be taken. NATO missile bases in Romania and Poland will be removed voluntarily or otherwise. The proposals put forward by Russia in December but ignored by NATO will be implemented in full. Who will stop it?