War in Ukraine: Are Ukrainian troops here to stay?

Ukrainian tanks continued to advance into Russian territory on Saturday, August 17, sometimes carrying signs of conquered villages as war trophies. kyiv (Ukraine) claims to occupy 82 localities, or 1,150 km2. For how long? Satellite images have shown the formation of trenches by the Russian army in recent days, which could be preparing for a lasting front on its territory.

This is the stated ambition of the Ukrainians, who have just created a military administration in the region. “They are putting themselves in a situation where they could establish their defensive line in Russian territory, and not in Ukrainian territory. (…) This means that they are removing the possibilities of bombing Ukrainian territory from Russia, and moreover, it allows them to secure this small territorial conquest to use it as a bargaining chip later.”analyses Camille Grand, former deputy secretary general of NATO.