The Ukrainian army last week recaptured a 3,000-square-kilometre area.  This area is more than the area of ​​​​the areas that Russia has occupied during the six months since the beginning of the war.  The Ukrainian flag is again seen waving in many towns and villages, and the invaders are pushing back Russian fighters in the northeast and south. 

Has the war taken a turning point?  The question is, what will be the next step for Vladimir Putin?  On a tactical level, the results that emerge on the battlefield are important, • but not conclusive.  Russian fighters can come on the defensive in the face of Ukrainian aggression, strengthening their forces to defend the land bridge to the Donbas and Crimea, which runs along Mariupol. 

 As soon as Russia abandons aggression and adopts a defensive posture, its military position will be stronger, as it is said in military colloquial - 'The effect of defense is three times greater than that of aggression.  

The advancing Ukrainian army does not appear to be taking the war to the final stage.  Two aspects of Ukraine have come to the fore in this aggression.  First, is the ability to conduct offensive operations in multipolar regions and control simultaneous fighting in the North, East, and South.  

Russia failed to do so.  Second, Ukraine demonstrated coordinated military action, in which Russia too failed.  From a strategic and psychological point of view, Ukraine's victory will have a significant impact on Ukraine and its allies.  

First, Kyiv could ask Russia to withdraw from all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.  Second, Europe may continue to impose sanctions on Russia, and the United States may succeed in the Biden government's policy of countering Russia.

will claim.  As far as Russia is concerned, any retaliatory move will only make these volatile situations more dangerous.  Russian President Putin can still do anything. 

 After forcing the shutdown of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear reactor, attack Ukraine and stop it from moving towards Crimea.  Here, as in Syria, they can use the Russian air force to rain bombs on Ukraine and destroy city towns.  Maybe Putin thinks the time has come to use chemical weapons. 

 They may withdraw from the agreement that was made between Russia and Ukraine regarding the supply of grain.  Their biggest problem is the loss of life and property in the war.  

The number of people killed and seriously injured in the war is more than 80,000.  It may be that soon they should be pressurized to recruit more soldiers.  To do so would not be acceptable in Russia, were even calling a conflict 'war' is considered a crime.  

The Ukrainians may be proud of their determination and fighting prowess, but their recent victory will only increase the likelihood of further escalation of the war.  The dark side of this situation is that the use of strategic nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out, although the chances are slim.