Insecure dictators cannot retreat, ever, because it would make them look less-than-perfect ... even if for a helpful strategic advantage, they refuse (think Hitler and Stalingrad)
so Vlad won’t voluntarily leave, meaning there could be years of fighting ... and sanctions, declining business markets for Russian resources, and more international isolation ....
all this for what, exactly? Russia gets to add another 0.1% of area to its already-giant land base?
Vlad is backed into a corner, either he has to have a general call up or resort to chemical or nuclear weapons. Im betting he tries chemical weapons of some sort before a general mobilization.
That does explain 20 wasted years in Afghanistan.