And what about Donetsk and Luhansk? Are they beyond Uke capability?
Probably, but maybe not. But the Ukes don’t have the ability to attack in force across the Dnieper. And Donbass and Lugansk have been accepted into the Russian federation now. That isn’t going to change unless NATO gets directly involved. And if that happens... you will likely hear about it. Maybe firsthand.
What I see is Russia establishing a defensive line they intend to hold. The Donbass and the land bridge to Crimea.
Maybe you see it differently.