Putin and Russia may think they can win the long game, but they are so wrong. Putin thinks he’s smart, but he’s also human, and he’s going to die, probably sooner than later.
The Russians have already won. They have already liberated all the territory they set out to when this war began. They would have settled for less as proven the Minsk Accords and peace deal that was worked out in Turkey in March of 2022.
There is no scenario where Ukraine gets any territory back.
Three words, Marioupol, Bakmut, and Avidiivka….the last two heavily fortified since 2014 ( think about that)…..next up on Vlads chopping block, Kharkov, the second largest Ukie population center.
…….slowly but surely for many reasons….Odessa surly after that ( if St Z refuse’s negotiations).
Vlad still holds all the cards…and as we are witnessing, the entire might of the West can do nothing about it. Get used to it.