Two months later, and Kyiv's small – albeit astonishing – occupation of Russian territory is going strong. Western officials don't understand how.

President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Wednesday that Russia could use nuclear weapons if it was struck with conventional missiles, and that Moscow would consider any assault on it supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack.

President Vladimir Putin says any nation’s conventional attack on Russia that is supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack on his country.

Moscow's forces are poised to capture all of Luhansk, which, along with the neighboring Donetsk Oblast, form the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

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Russia is relying on new tactics to gain ground in Ukraine, with the continuation of U.S. support uncertain as the war grinds on.

According to "The Moscow Times," there was hope for an agreement between Russia and Ukraine as recently as this summer, with both sides planning to make peace in Qatar. However, Putin suddenly changed his mind.

Russia’s Military Will be Better Prepared for a War with Europe After Ukraine: As Russia unleashed its war machine on Ukraine in February 2022, even the United States anticipated a swift Russian victory.