Ukraine is Losing Ground: Is this a strategic spot for Russia?

The war is taking a toll on Ukraine and their supplies are being exhausted. They are being outgunned and are loosing ground in Donbas region. The U.S. announced it will try and provide more support and meets with 50 other countries (June 14, 22 U.S. Announces New Supplies). Ukraine is a strategic country and keeps Russia's buffered from the West. I suspect Putin wants to be remembered as a Russian great hero and legacy (i.e. the Peter the Great symbolism) and will fight tooth and nail. 

We should also look at the Black Sea and how strategic that is and has been throughout history. Its often seen as a launching site and whoever controls that likely controls the commerce of the area. In essence the sea is pretty much surrounded by pro Russian allies and they want to maintain that political supremacy. A pro Western Ukraine is seen as a major threat to Russia. 

Its more than a strategic spot it may also be a piece to a bigger strategy to reinsert Russia back on the world stage as a major player. That can only happen if there are/were deals between China and Russia that include not only oil but also other resources as well (Why China might be so wishy washy on condemnation.). Ukraine made a choice and if we can help them we should do so (We have done a lot already but it does become a place where resources are going to be grinded out. The U.S. must rebuild its manufacturing capacity and the manufacturing of its own equipment. Why we need rapid innovation systems. Another dumb idea I guess. 🤷). 

Perhaps Russia has some plans for a major shipping route and other purposes (Russia did have conflict in Georgia not too long ago and blockades against their ports. This is also why we need ports in the U.S. to help develop our own economic strength. i.e. see shipping infrastructure.  Another key point generally sort of brushed over.). Not sure (Alternatively perhaps the EU and "West" would have some strategic advantages of a pro "West" Ukraine and access to their ports.). I'm not sure anyone but Putin and perhaps a few others know their plan.  

Let us wait and see but we can pray for the Ukrainian people. 

Ukraine's List on the Adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy' tweet (Its a big big list. Not sure if they could even get all of that.):

1000 howitzers caliber 155 mm; 300 MLRS; 500 tanks; 2000 armored vehicles; 1000 drones.