Part 2/10:
Ukraine's effort to maintain control over the 1300 square kilometers of land it invaded in Kerson was viewed initially as a historic gamble aimed at gaining the upper hand against Russian forces. However, analysts have noted that while the region appeared stable for a time, that stability was deceptive, with Ukraine's hold on Kerson becoming increasingly precarious by March. Russian assaults intensified, forcing Ukrainian forces to withdraw under the threat of encirclement.