Mariupol might fall soon, I have heard it might be taken in a week. Russian Forces and DPR forces are edging closer and closer slowly but surely. That then would greatly ease communications from Russia to the Russian forces around Kherson plus it would free up the forces involved in the Mariupol operation for further offensives. As it is Russian forces are tied up in too many places at once.

But what direction would they go in next? This actually opens up many opportunities for them, but the question is what side of the Dniper will they prioritise? Or will they push along both sides. If they can push through to Kryvi Rih and then on to Dnipro that would put the Ukriaian forces in the Donbass in a real bind and then they could attempt to encircle them after that movement is complete. But they don't have to move on Dnipro first. Either way this doesn't look good for the Ukrainians.

There is also the matter of Odessa, Ukraine's port city and the city where most her exports flow out from(if they still are now anyway). Russia does not need to take it, she could just cut it off but if she does take it it would remove a threat from that region and would better connect her to Transnistria.