The war in Ukraine is looking at a stalemate right now, and unfortunately will be ongoing for some time as Russian defences are extensive and layered. They had all winter to plan their strategy and they will have a second winter to reinforce their ravaged defences. With no air support, Ukraine is highly exposed in their counter-offensive and this is not going to be a quick victory.

What I would like to see when Ukraine repels Russian aggression in their territory and expels Russia from Ukraine. From what Zelensky has stated, Ukraine will be taking Crimea back during their special military operation to liberate their lands. Ukraine has no navy, but has been successful in dominating the Russian navy, Ukrainian drones are damaging the ships in the Black Sea Fleet.

If Snake Island was fortified with a small military base with reinforced anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile defences and possibly artillery to protect Ukrainian shipping from the port of Odesa and port of Sevastopol in Crimea. This would be a good NATO joint venture to weaponise Snake Island. This would deter the Russian navy from getting anywhere near the west coast of Crimea. This should be similar to what China is doing in the South China Sea, heavily fortified islands with radar and missile defence systems where garrison troops rotate through this small island.

Yes, Russia took control of Snake Island before Ukraine retook control of the island. By fortifying the island, this would act as a future deterrent against shipping from Odesa and make them think twice about Sevastopol. What Ukraine has shown us is their naval drones are a serious threat to shipping, with artillery on the island to prevent an amphibious assault by troops, anti-ship missiles to deter naval vessels and anti-aircraft missiles to prevent the Russian air force from attacking the island.