[Wallace T.]

Russia has underperformed with respect to their invasion of Ukraine and appears to be losing ground under a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Unless Putin has something in reserve, he has not made a case for Germany or other NATO countries to fear Russian retaliation. Of course, Ukraine has the advantages of massive U.S. and NATO weapons provisions and historical memories of the Holodomor in Stalin's era (basically their equivalent to the Holocaust). There are likely mercenaries from American, British, and Polish elite units, under the cover of being "volunteers", fighting with the Ukrainians Ukrainians. Winter is also coming, which will slow the war down.

Russia stumbling in Ukraine may have caused Xi to hold off on any plans to invade Taiwan. It has also caused Azerbaijan to renew hostilities against Armenia, an old Russian ally. Putin is too preoccupied with Ukraine to assist the Armenians.

The ball is in Russia's court. Does Putin have another move to regain the initiative, or will he be forced to back down?

[reformedliberal]

It has also caused Azerbaijan to renew hostilities against Armenia, an old Russian ally. Putin is too preoccupied with Ukraine to assist the Armenians.
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Armenia Appeals To Russia For Military Aid

https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32030896.html

Armenia and Azerbaijan negotiate cease-fire in effort to end recent fighting

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-negotiate-cease-fire-in-effort-to-end-recent-fighting

Putin reacted swiftly and current situation defused...
until:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-speaker-pelosi-ukraine-war-must-be-won-russia-held-accountable-2022-09-16/

Pelosi confirms snap visit to Armenia after deadly clashes
Reuters

Pelosi declines to state her reasons for the visit.

As Pelosi Confirms Armenia Trip, ANCA Calls on Her to Stop All Military Aid to Azerbaijan

https://asbarez.com/as-pelosi-confirms-armenia-trip-anca-calls-on-her-to-stop-all-military-aid-to-azerbaijan/

Armenian-American Association open letter to Pelosi

This goes beyond Putin.