It sounds like you're expectation of how Ukraine would do, is very different from that which Putin was planning on, or he would have prepared his people for a l

It sounds like you're expectation of how Ukraine would do, is very different from that which Putin was planning on, or he would have prepared his people for a long and grueling conflict. To me, it looks a lot like GWB's perspective headed into the Iraq war, expecting it to be quick and easy with few casualties. Even if/when Russia defeats the Ukrainian military (a big "if" at this point), they would have an ongoing problem trying to govern it, or prop up a more (to them) suitable government. It is difficult to picture a successful outcome for them at this point, if Ukraine decides to keep fighting.