The conflict in Ukraine is a complex one, and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has been making headlines in the past few weeks by deploying a massive arsenal of missiles and rockets on its southern border. While the two nations do have different military strengths, the conflict could end in an all-out war. But how will these two sides survive? What do the odds of victory and defeat look like? Here are some things to keep in mind when watching the conflict.

The Kremlin has put out a list of demands in hopes of preventing further military action by both sides. These demands include: halting military operations, recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, and recognizing the independence of the “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas. The Kremlin has so far left out a demand for a new Kyiv government, but he probably would have included it as well.

While the Russian-Ukraian war has been raging for months, the recent attempt to halt it has failed. On February 28, high-level officials from both countries met near the border in Belarus. High-level officials from both countries met again on March 3. While Russia insists on demilitarization and neutrality for Ukraine, the Ukrainian side is pushing for more military aid and ascension into Western bodies. In fact, Ukraine has even signed a membership application to join the EU during the fighting.