Ukraine are undertaking incursions into Russia and have secured land in Russia.
That’s a big escalation.
It's bold for sure....
Whilst it plays into Putin's narrative that they are surrounded and constantly under-threat from the west, it also shows to the population how his 'Special Operation' is backfiring. They can see that they have become less safe. As time and body-bags stack-up the truth will out.
It emboldens the Ukrainians too - it's good internal propaganda.
It also means Putin might have to withdraw troops from Donetsk thus weakening their advance, and also lay the redeploying forces open to attack by Ukranian forces.
IF, and it's a big IF, holding Russian territory could be a bargaining chip with Russia.
Ultimately the political impact is greater than the military.
