So, the first Festungsstadt of the conflict. I wonder if the calculation is that western sensibilities would not allow for starving them out. Which would undoubtedly affect the civilian population
An ostensibly pro Russian government was just elected in Italy. NATO unity is certainly improved if the option to return to the Russian tit is no longer available.
If the Gasprom strategy was ever going to pay off it would have been soon. Energy prices are approaching 600% of what they were last year, with more rises to come.
Spare parts i would guess. They would also have to refit in Poland, given that there are no support contractors in Ukraine. That's really not feasible for a tank.