now? >> look, i think if they dig in, they build up their supply lines they can essentially stay static for a number of weeks. all the while bombarding cities with long-range artillery and rocket fire. the war doesn't end. it doesn't suddenly become peaceful. it means the maneuver elements, thanks and so forth are not going anywhere. the forces are digging in. >> from the ukrainian side, of course these are gains. like you have clearly pointed out, these are very fragile gains, nevertheless. what do you think, malcolm, of the idea being discussed that russia's aim here is to split the country into two into occupied and non-occupied territory? what do you think of this idea? >> i think that is certainly their aim initially and the best approach they will be using in a