However the original objective was to capture Kyiv and overthrow the government. Capturing Donbass is, at best a fallback strategy and consolation prize. Depending on how well the Ukrainians are armed, gaining and holding territory there could be at least as costly as trying to capture Kyiv, although the supply chains may be somewhat shorter.  As every day passes, the momentum swings to Ukraine and becomes more difficult to reverse. Capturing and holding territory is a lot ore difficult than shelling cities from afar.

Index of Frank's Diaries