If the goal of the Kyiv operation was to keep Ukrainian forces tied up so the rest of the Russian forces could take Donbas, then…
WHY HAVEN’T RUSSIAN FORCES TAKEN DONBAS?
Now they’ve announced they want to take Donbas and are withdrawing from north Ukraine. Problem is, the Ukrainian foces from Kyiv can also then move to defend Donbas. In fact, Ukrainian forces have a shorter distance to travel.
So the best case interpretation of this situation is that the Russian operation was still a failure, since Donbas is holding despite the “diversion”.
The Russians have already stolen most of the Donbas. They’ll take a few more villages and claim victory.
The withdrawal back from Kyiv could be feint. rearm and train replacements to fill depleted units to push on Kyiv. The Ukrainians will keep the bulk of their troops around Kyiv
ukrainians are increasing their numbers of stand off weapons.
russians won’t have any more vehicles in two months.