Problem with Mearsheimer is he refuses to consider that Russia could have imperial ambitions and that the invasion’s objective could be territorial and not "defensive".
On the eve of the invasion, Putin explicitly argued that Ukraine never had “real statehood,” and said it was an integral part of Russia’s “own history, culture, spiritual space.” After the invasion, he went on to compare himself to the 18th century Tsar, Peter the Great, and to declare that Russia was simply reclaiming its territory.
“Problem with Mearsheimer is he refuses to consider that Russia could have imperial ambitions and that the invasion’s objective could be territorial and not “defensive”.”
Russia’s possible or probable imperial ambitions are well known but irrelevant to what’s happening on the ground now. More ground troops are the only way to stop Putin. Somebody has fire all those fancy weapons, which are in short supply as well.
I would assume Russia DOES have “imperial ambitions.” And it’s hard to hold that against them. They’re operating no differently than the U.S. would do if the Mexican government had asked China to establish a military presence there.
Oh no! You mean the Ukes might end up having to pay Russia's 13% income tax!?!?