Russia having a clear strategy doesn't mean that it's working out for them. Preliminary analysis seems to indicate that the start of this hasn't gone how Russia

Russia having a clear strategy doesn't mean that it's working out for them. Preliminary analysis seems to indicate that the start of this hasn't gone how Russia would've liked: militarily, justification-wise, or popular support of. There are reports of even the previous Russian-leaning people in Eastern Ukraine rapidly losing support for Russia after this insane offensive (like Russian citizenry and even Duma member now). The doom-mongering is valid because what kind of futile flailing does Russia do when their "clear strategy" for a quick and decisive victory doesn't fall through. Admit defeat and lose face, or lash out?