Most interesting analysis. I've been saying for a while that the only thing for the Russians to do is declare victory, go home, and throw themselves a ticker tape parade. It's a time sensitive exit strategy--the sooner they do this, the better for Putin. With his level of media control and a receptive base, he can still make that fly at home but the more casualties accumulate, the harder it is to sell. The Trump years have made me believe that it's possible to make a willing audience believe literally anything.