The benefit of such watchfulness is that Ukrainian forces are constantly training, which improves their readiness and, as recent successes reveal, their success. JL
Daniel Boffey reports in The Guardian:
The Russians were pushed out of the country by Ukrainian forces in March last year after the debacle of the 24 February assault on the north. Could they be preparing for “maximum escalation, gathering all possible forces” for a potential rerun of the 24 February from north, south and east? Perhaps. An alternative theory is the Russians are trying to convince Ukraine’s general staff that they cannot afford to move forces over to Donetsk – and particularly the city of Bakhmut – to relieve the Ukrainian efforts there. Zelenskiy has admitted the situation there is “very tough” with Russia claiming gains.