Russia and Ukraine

[Deesse23]

80y ago we used to call this "frontbegradigung".
A successful retreat is indeed a kind of success. As soon as victory is not an option anymore, avoiding defeat is what you are left with, at best.

"The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom."  - Master Sun

I dont disagree with the notion that it was wise to pull back once you realized you cant stand where you are.
Yet
In face of the original objectives of the whole campaign, the importance to actually hold an area which you claim to have annexed, and that area you cant hold being a key to holding another area you already have annexed a few years back, in light of all this the future still may look bleak.