No, if he didn't he would have been couped and the invasion launched anyway. Russia is a dictatorship of capital. Putin answers to the national bourgeoisie of Russia.

Also hypotheticals like that aren't really relevant to discussing actual exit strategies. Unless you've found a way to hop realities.

[–] PopOfAfrica@lemmy.one 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Then they deserve defeat at the hands of Ukraine. If they want to go into a war on their own volition, then they will have to face to consequences. If that requires NATO might, then so be it. Peace was always an option.

[–] ThereRisesARedStar@hexbear.net 25 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Okay, but it doesn't seem Ukraine is winning, even with NATO supporting them. So, that means a settlement is probably the best option to save lives all around.

[–] PopOfAfrica@lemmy.one 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I disagree. The fact that Russia (a supposed world super power) is still there means Ukraine is winning. Russia can't beat little ol' Ukraine in a war. I'd say they are in a better position than we think.

[–] ThereRisesARedStar@hexbear.net 28 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Lol.

No, it means its getting increasingly bloody as more and more Russians and Ukrainians get thrown in the meat grinder without a path to victory for Ukraine. That isn't winning.

[–] PopOfAfrica@lemmy.one 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Russia is making it bloody, correct. They should leave.

[–] ThereRisesARedStar@hexbear.net 27 points 1 year ago

And Biden should give everyone a pony.

You understand that "they should behave like they should behave" isnt very useful in understanding politics and developing personally actionable solutions, right?

[–] Egon@hexbear.net 6 points 1 year ago

And Jeff Bezos should give me all of his money, but that's not gonna happen either

[–] Egon@hexbear.net 7 points 1 year ago

The fact that Russia (a supposed world super power) is still there means Ukraine is winning.

The fact that Russia didnt shock and awe it's way across a country that has the entirety of NATO backing it means Russia is losing? Lmao ok.
NATO is running out of equipment because it's supplying Ukraine. Russia is basically taking on NATO and winning, but go off

[–] Egon@hexbear.net 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Then they deserve defeat at the hands of Ukraine.

I disagree, but even if I agreed I'd accept the material reality that is that Ukraine is bleeding people. The have a volksturm going on, it's a meat grinder, I think they should stop this mindless slaughter