Russia needs it's neighbours more than the need Russia. If Ukraine managed to get it's own gas pipeline flowing west and joined the EU then Russia would be screwed. Europe would not be as dependant on Russian gas and the Ukraine would be less dependant on Russia for trade.
I always thought Russia would struggle to hold much of this territory they captured. It didn't seem realistic that they could hold all these captured lands given Ukrainians determination and Russia's own supply/logistical issues. This is why Putin hoped Zelensky would flee and the whole invasion would be wrapped up in a week. Putin believed he could insert a puppet government blacked by Russian forces that could pacify any Ukrainian domestic rebellion to his regime change.
What a horrible situation to be in.
During my days as a network/phone technician and union/bargaining team representative, I would listen in on bargaining planning and strategy calls by Human Resources and their bargaining team, but I never broadcasted it. I had a better attendance record than anyone on their team.
The statute of limitations has long since expired.
Essentially just don’t rely on anything Putin and co say, just use satellite images to see when all the troops have F’d off.
