[kiryandil]

To what degree they were forced out versus “we meant to do that!” I have no idea. Maybe bit off more than they could chew, probably big logistic problems

The majority of the Ukrainian army is pinned down on the Donbass front in the east.

They can't disengage [under fire, and limited fuel supplies].

The Russians apparently threatened the capital in order to keep the Uke army in the east from being reinforced.

[mrsmith]

“The Russians apparently threatened the capital in order to keep the Uke army in the east from being reinforced.”

That doesn’t seem to have happened though.
The SOF is doing a very good job of fighting. Much better than I, and I think most, expected. The forces sent to Kiev, in hindsight, would have done more good in the East.

IDK, still a chance that Russia can encircle the U army in the East, but it’s looking more doubtful. Would have to happen very soon.