Russia isn’t trying to overtake all of Ukraine, though, just the four oblasts that already want to be a part of the Russian Federation. Further, as strongholds are taken, it accelerates Russia’s advance, while willingness and ability to fight in Kiev falls. There’s no reason to expect this strady rate will be the only rate the war proceeds at until its conclusion.

Another reason for the slow advance is the advent of drone warfare, which is extremely deadly and slows any movement.