50 days since the start of the war in Ukraine, conflict is entering crucial phase

The initial attack started before dawn with a series of missile attacks and with the use of long-range artillery, before it spread rapidly across central and eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces attacked the country from all three sides, CNN writes.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan to bring Kiev down quickly failed in the face of strong Ukrainian resistance, while other challenges were: failure to achieve air supremacy in Ukraine, command, control and supply problems and large staff losses.

As Russian forces withdraw from areas near Kiev to refocus to the east, the horrors of their occupation have become clear with reports of numerous civilian victims and murders, torture, extinctions and other atrocities. Cities throughout the country continue to be viciously bombed, while Russia has deployed a group of weapons for devastating air strikes, creating a humanitarian catastrophe.

After 50 days, war is about to enter a new critical phase:

War to the east: Putin has revised his war strategy to focus on trying to take control of Donbas and other regions in eastern Ukraine with a target date in early May, according to some American officials familiar with the latest US intelligence assessments. Ukraine is preparing for a massive escalation, with an official warning of a battle that “will remind you of World War II.” Satellite images show an increasing number of Russian troops and armoured vehicles extending to eastern Ukraine.

Different terrain: The eastern territory is where Russia has far more advantages than in its previous attack on northern Ukraine and the capital, Kiev. The battle would be fought in open terrain, not in close fighting in urban and forested areas. The region also borders on southwestern Russia, enabling Russian forces to avoid problems of support, logistics and communication that prevented their country's full conquest almost from beginning.

Inciting weapons: The US is increasing its commitment to Ukraine by sending an additional 800 million dollars of weapons and ammunition to a package that includes Mi-17 helicopters, Howitzer balls, Switchblade drones, anti-artical radar systems and safety equipment to ensure against possible chemical attacks. For weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been praying to world leaders for more weapons and other military equipment.

Human catastrophe: Since the beginning of the occupation, more than 4.6 million people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries, and thousands of civilians have died, including children, according to the UN. The World Health Organization has verified about 120 attacks on health care centres since the beginning of the occupation. Residents trapped in cities under shelling by Russian attacks have reported that they have no food, water or medicine, and aid entry is unable.

Charges of genocide and war crimes: US President Joe Biden named the atrocities in Ukraine as “the genocide” for the first time this week. Ukraine's Attorney General is investigating 5800 war crimes cases and crimes against humanity committed by Russia, including the intentional target of civilians. Images of at least 20 troops scattered across the streets in Butka appeared this month, while dozens of evacuation civilians were killed in a Russian missile attack at a train station. It followed the bombings of hospitals, schools and a theater where hundreds of people, including children, were taking refuge.

NATO: Putin started the fight, demanding that NATO cease its expansion in the east and reject new members. While Zelensky has acknowledged that his country will not become a member, the war has united the West against Moscow. Finland and Sweden countries that are officially not associated with the alliance are moving increasingly towards joining the US-led military alliance.