taking Odessa would strangle Ukraine. It's THE major port on the Black Sea for UkraineYes I know it's a big country, bigger than Germany and France combined. However I fully expect Putin to take more, if not Kiev, then maybe Odessa?
If it loses access to the Sea of Azov -it's not a big deal - that leads to Black Sea anyways
Like I said if Putin moves past Dnieper - he's gonna pay one hellofa price.
I dont think he'll play that gambit for the foreseeable future..past that it "depends"