12-29-2025, 07:32 AM
(12-29-2025, 07:17 AM)dabigv13 Wrote: He doesn't just want Crimea and Donbas, he wants as much of Ukraine as he can get.I don't quite agree. He wants all of Ukraine, period. He will keep trying to achieve that goal until it is met or he is removed from power (by death or other means). IMO he is also in a position that a pause (of any "significant" length) in the effort isn't acceptable. This is true for two reasons. First, he believes he has the advantage and that Ukraine is near collapse. "Just one more big push" will settle matters. Second, his "war economy" can't stand a pause. The pause will also give the opportunity for the Russian public to see the economic realities of their position and question why so many died and so much of the national treasure was expended to gain a wasteland. While that may not topple Putin, he isn't willing to risk it. Being actually able to declare victory covers a lot of sins, or so he believes.