Russia really is being demilitarized. Hopefully sanctions hinder a rebuild.
While disastrous for Ukraine, a long war is in NATOs favor. NATO spending going up, Russia hobbled. Plus the longer sanctions in place, more likelihood they remain.
All nice but Putin knows that he will wind up like Muammar Gaddafi if he fails. Unlike the US presidents who lose wars all the time—Russians supremo’s can’t afford to lose.
What are Putin’s options? That is what options does he have in front of him that provide him the best chance to live.
1.)Continue the status quo—
2.)Declare war and call for a general mobilization.
3.) Nuke Kiev.