“This was never about occupying Ukraine.”
I beg to differ. Russia’s demands were a de facto demand for occupation: Complete Ukrainian demilitarization; declared neutrality; accept Crimea as being part of Russia; accept LPR and DPR as independent states no longer part of Ukraine; a pro-Russia regime in Kiev. In other words, Ukraine to be gelded and subordinated to Russia.
I said that is what I *think* russia will do to declare victory. Obviously it was about occupying Ukraine. Well technically they thought Ukraine was going to love them and so not really occupy it, just change the leaders