Russia's primary goal this winter is Odessa

'Our dear Empress Katrina II, the Magnificent, beloved of memory, had a special place in her heart for the noble city of Odessa. Truly, her soul felt dear to people of Odessa, a city still 80% Russian, a city whose soul is Russian, to its very core. Yet, despite this great history, the leadership of Kiev tyrannically seeks to make this city the home of UNESCO, a center of NATO power, a puppet of American dominated world culture. How can our dear sainted Katrina support this outrage? How can the people of Russia support this tyranny? How can the people of Odessa bear this humiliation?' Skillful and passionate propaganda of this type are becoming rather common in the Russian media. So, whatever the practicalities of the situation, it's pretty obvious that the Russian government is going to make a pretty serious play for the Ukrainian city of Odessa this winter. Odessa is the last major port in Ukrainian hands. With the loss of Odessa, Ukraine will be landlocked. Furthermore, Odessa is within striking distance of the Polish border, just to the North. If the Russians can effectively shut down the Ukrainian-Polish border, Ukraine is finished. No more American arms. End of story. Now, I realize the Ukrainian army is making some rather modest gains these days. And, despite the Western media propaganda, they are really quite modest. The Ukrainian army is now fully mobilized, and they have a big manpower advantage over the Russians in Ukraine currently. That is about to change. Vladimir Putin's "partial mobilization" gives him authority to call up a million men, presumably all for service in Ukraine. Instead of being outnumbered perhaps five to one, the Russian army will outnumber the Ukrainians two to one. They should have little difficulty rolling up whatever territory they wish to take. That's why Elon Musk is calling for talks between Ukraine and Russia at this time, while Ukraine still has some leverage. Whatever one might think of Elon's morals, or his "inventive genius", he has certainly always been pretty good at picking winners and losers. He knows Ukraine has no chance, whatsoever. And, it's not because of nuclear weapons. It's just manpower, discipline, and resources.