[Goose]

Russia and Ukraine are 3 years (minus 18 days) into this war.  It doesn't feel like they're close to the end yet, does it?

IMO it is a mixed bag. Either country could collapse unexpectedly. Both Russia and Ukraine have major internal issues. IMO right now both sides are playing for time to see what comes of the US attempts to end the war. In some ways both sides are acting like some kind of a negotiated settlement is going to happen "soon" and they have to position themselves to maximize what they can get out of it. OTOH Russia is still attacking in Donbas and Ukraine is still sending drones to hit Russian refineries and air bases. Russia is still attriting Ukraine's electric utilities with drones and ballistic missiles.

IMO it depends a lot on Putin. If he wants to end the war on good terms for Russia, it is almost certainly within his grasp. OTOH he may not be willing to accept anything short of an unconditional Ukrainian surrender. If so, the war will go on.

[Goose]

Russia and Ukraine are 3 years (minus 18 days) into this war.  It doesn't feel like they're close to the end yet, does it?

IMO it is a mixed bag. Either country could collapse unexpectedly. Both Russia and Ukraine have major internal issues. IMO right now both sides are playing for time to see what comes of the US attempts to end the war. In some ways both sides are acting like some kind of a negotiated settlement is going to happen "soon" and they have to position themselves to maximize what they can get out of it. OTOH Russia is still attacking in Donbas and Ukraine is still sending drones to hit Russian refineries and air bases. Russia is still attriting Ukraine's electric utilities with drones and ballistic missiles.

IMO it depends a lot on Putin. If he wants to end the war on good terms for Russia, it is almost certainly within his grasp. OTOH he may not be willing to accept anything short of an unconditional Ukrainian surrender. If so, the war will go on.