This whole things stinks... and is playing out like a bad soap opera.
What doesnt sit right with me is that Russia is an absolute world power. There isnt an argument against that. (Is there?)
How does a mega world power like Russia stumble, bumble and fumble their way through an "invasion" against a smaller, less prepared and far less equipped neighboring country?
The answer is: They dont... unless its on purpose.
I believe that if Putin REALLY wanted to take Ukraine that it would have taken about the same amount of time it took the US to take Iraq during Desert Storm. I don't think Putin really wants to take the country back. If he did, it would have been over in about 72 hours. He needs to drag this out for as long as it takes for him to accomplish his goal.
I think this is a chess move for the long game.
I think he's flexing his muscles and posturing up to take advantage of a WEAK US Administration that is scatter-brained and unfocused... a weak NATO/EU organization that can't figure out who is coming in or who is going out... and a world that has been so focused on stopping a global pandemic (laughable) that nobody is paying attention.
Aside from Covid, the world is focused on renewable and cleaner energy sources. In 20 years or so... we will have fully autonomous EV's for everyone. Gasoline will be something that only lawnmowers and fishing boats need. Putin has about 2 decades to cash in on his oil supply before his biggest export becomes majorly devalued. Right now, the demand is through the roof and he can reset the market value by acting like a tyrant.
"... if you want me to stop being a bully... you'll have to pay me more money..."
Its an opportunistic move. One that will pay off in the long run if he gets what he wants. And in my opinion he will because the entire world is being run by absolute WEAKLINGS. Not 1 world leader has a sack.
As someone stated above... there are people that are cashing in BIG TIME on this "war". I suspect there is a VERY good chance that someone with the last name of Biden is on that list of people.
Nevertheless... I'm not buying most of what we're seeing. This isnt a war... its a dog-and-pony show.
Watch how Biden and other world leaders bend the knee to Putin, remove sanctions and negotiate a deal with him to export his oil (among other things) exclusively for the next 20-30 years at a gigantic rate hike.
*EDIT* I wouldnt be surprised to see Ukraine make out like a bandit from this ordeal as well, considering the amount of grain they export (as referenced above). Wouldnt surprise me at all to see them come out with a better trade deal and valuation for their exports as well under the guise of "humanitarian relief efforts".
Russia has an economy the size of Spain ( soon to be the size of the Netherlands after sanctions are done with them). It can’t therefore be considered a world power anymore, especially now that their military has been exposed as a paper tiger.