In the initial stages of the war in Ukraine, the impressive performance of the Ukrainian army and the failures of the Russian military created an impression that the war would develop in favour of Ukraine and that Russia would regret its invasion.
However, that's not quite how things are unfolding.
The bravery and sacrifices of the Ukrainians in defending their homeland have been admirable, but difficulties stemming mainly from the realities of international politics are taking their toll.
On the battlefield, the Ukrainian counter-offensive has yet to succeed. Gaining tiny pockets while suffering massive casualties cannot be considered an achievement.
Military experts point to the enormous losses that Russia has suffered in the war. Its war machine has suffered greatly but has not collapsed. In fact, it is thriving and is making advances in some places.
It has employed additional military assets and tactics, including electronic warfare and intensified use of drones. Soldiers are dying, but new ones are steadily replenishing their ranks despite the large number of young Russians fleeing abroad to avoid the trenches.
There were expectations that Russia's huge military losses would have turned the population against the war, but this also has not happened. Russia has historically been a country with a very high threshold for pain and suffering. Today, this still seems to be true.
Putin's authoritarian rule leaves no room for dissent. It is common practice for dissenting Russians to be jailed for very long periods — mostly without trial. This discourages many from speaking out against the war.
