Analysis! Fun. Let's analyze 'em: > 1) stage a dirty bomb, blame it on ukraine, order a general mobilisation. Equivalent to #5. > 2) freeze the conflict now,

Analysis! Fun. Let's analyze 'em: > 1) stage a dirty bomb, blame it on ukraine, order a general mobilisation. Equivalent to #5. > 2) freeze the conflict now, hold on to the "gains" This would be the smartest move. But it would also signal that Russia admits defeat, which may work against Putin. After all, his goal is to hold on to power. > 3) Assainate Zelenskyy Putin is certainly trying. It may be media exaggeration, but supposedly he's survived three attempts. If it happens, though, I don't think it will tip the scale -- Ukraine won because there are competent people in charge, and because Zelenskyy didn't flee. Zelenskyy dying would still leave competent people in charge. > 4) Stage some other stupid humanitarian horror(bombing of russian hospital/orphanage/school) general mobilisation Equivalent to #5. > 5) carry on, regardless. It's impossible for Russia to make progress, because they have no way of carrying fuel, ammunition, food, and other supplies to the front lines. Any time they try to extend their lines into Ukraine, they're cut short, because five days later the front line runs out of fuel. And they can't guard their supply lines because they never achieved air superiority. Putin's options are extremely limited.