Why do you think Putin is backpedaling on Ukraine right now? He was set to annex East Ukraine, and now he withdraw his special ops and letting it stabilize. Why? Because sanctions + markets cost Oligarchs a very large fortune, with more threatened if he goes through with the plan.


He is not as in control as he thought going in. If he costs too much money he will be replaced by the next apparatchik. He clearly wants to go in, has physical means to do so, domestic propaganda to justify it, and West unwillingness to go into shooting war over Ukraine.

The odd one out is money. Money talks bullshit walks. Oligarchs are still in charge.


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