Putin still has an out [View all]

[BGBD]

where he can claim victory and avert the worst blowback that's possible.

He could retreat his forces back across the border and claim that his goal all along was to push Ukrainian forces away from the seperatist regions he just recognized. He could claim those areas are now safe and that the specieal military operation is over.

He could avoid what's surely going to be the worst scene of urban warfare in history that could last years and cost trillions. Avoid the potential of being unable to full take Ukraine, which would be a massive embarresment, and avoid greater diplomatic and economic loses by Russia.

It's right there if he wants to take it.