Russia captured a strategically significant Ukrainian town, but the high price it paid to win Marinka may hamper the victory

• Russia captured a key Ukrainian town this week but may not have the resources to exploit the win.
• Months of brutal attritional fighting in Marinka has left the small town decimated.
• After expending massive resources, Russia may be unable to fully reap the town's benefits, an expert said.

Russia laid claim to Marinka, a key Ukrainian city this week after months of hammering the small eastern town — but the steep price it paid to capture the settlement may render Russia's victory short-lived.