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BGBD

(3,282 posts)
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:00 PM Feb 2022

Putin still has an out

where he can claim victory and avert the worst blowback that's possible.

He could retreat his forces back across the border and claim that his goal all along was to push Ukrainian forces away from the seperatist regions he just recognized. He could claim those areas are now safe and that the specieal military operation is over.

He could avoid what's surely going to be the worst scene of urban warfare in history that could last years and cost trillions. Avoid the potential of being unable to full take Ukraine, which would be a massive embarresment, and avoid greater diplomatic and economic loses by Russia.

It's right there if he wants to take it.

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underpants

(182,608 posts)
1. I'm worried he decides to level the place (not nukes) just to spite them
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:01 PM
Feb 2022

if things go as they look like they are.

underpants

(182,608 posts)
6. MLRS - a brand new world as we used to call it cynically
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:22 PM
Feb 2022

When I was in the Cav.

Every three square meters or something like that. Nasty stuff.

I’m surprised at the lack of artillery and rockets so far. Maybe they planned to take it intact as much as possible. But if it turns bad (their window of advantage is closing) I’m worried that he just blows it away. If he can’t have it, for his legacy, screw them.

 

BGBD

(3,282 posts)
3. That has consequences
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:07 PM
Feb 2022

Putin needs to ask himself if he actually wants to be able to continue as a world leader or be completely excluded on the world stage.

underpants

(182,608 posts)
7. This was his swan song. His legacy.
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:24 PM
Feb 2022

He may be in bad health. Either way he’s near the end and he wanted this one last treasure.
Lenin Stalin Putin - the holy grail of Mother Russia.

LenaBaby61

(6,972 posts)
4. THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:07 PM
Feb 2022

He's the pariah of the WORLD, as people turn on him. Plus I think there's something wrong with him mentally & that his health is sinking, and if that is the case he doesn't CARE about himself, let alone about anyone else or about their life. So, Mr. ex-KGB agent wouldn't think twice about blowing us ALL up--it doesn't frighten him because while he's evil and rotten, he may be sicker than imagined as in dying which means he doesn't give a fuck if he blows himself up right along with the world.

LenaBaby61

(6,972 posts)
17. Totally agree with you. This guy is INSANE. He feels like a caged rat ....
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 07:11 PM
Feb 2022

Because most of the world, except Donald tRump & some in the GQP US Taliban Putin Party are totally behind him and kissing his ass still. tRump has nowhere to get any money from now since he can't go to any bank, so I guess he thought his bestie putin would give him some of HIS money. NOPE, putin's done with fatso--has no more use for him--so I'm sure he doesn't want to see fatso again. Their love affair is DONE.

12. couldn't agree more 'underpants'.....
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:46 PM
Feb 2022

To say he's a loose cannon is a vast understatement. We know he's unstable and capable of anything. I also think he's a narcissist and very stubborn so this is sadly going to be a long term occupation. I don't see him pulling out and trying to spin anything to 'save face'. He's all in IMO but I hope to hell I'm wrong. So incredibly misguided and messed up. I'm 53 years old and have seen some messed up things in my life but this might take the cake.

WarGamer

(12,354 posts)
10. I think he can't "claim victory" until Kiev falls.
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:27 PM
Feb 2022

If Kiev falls, the Russians are gone faster than you can say "Poka"

peggysue2

(10,823 posts)
11. So, he will declare all the Nazis & drug addicts gone, defeated, dead?
Sat Feb 26, 2022, 05:33 PM
Feb 2022

Pretty lame.

Right now, he appears hell-bent on bringing down Kyiv. And Zelensky. Which is reportedly creating blowback even among his own officials and the children of those officials, who have said they agreed to protect the eastern provinces. Not this. And certainly not the bombing of the capital.

Gonna be a very long weekend.

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