You could argue Russia was trying an SMO because that was all they were capable of. It would be madness invading a country the size of Ukraine with 200.000 soldiers. Chances are Putin was misinformed or his megalomania lead him to believe Ukraine was just a bunch of russians waiting for him to liberate them. But I think Putin is a rational opportunist. He thought the ukrainians were on their own and that they would crumble under preassure. He was horrible wrong and is now caught in a mess.Yes we are aware, this happened turning a training incident in Poland. The tweet is insinuating that a "Russian Agent" destroyed the tank during training, but I believe it was a genuine accident due to muddy conditions. Anyhow, I posted for a little humour.
100% Agree!
Well lets put it this way. The Russian strategy has been fairly tame in my opinion because from the outset they wanted this to be a SMO. Remember most of the work done so far has been achieved by a private military corporation. I believe if Putin wanted, he could go absolutely savage and decimate Ukraine but he won't do that until NATO crossed the red line and intervenes overtly. I'm seriously hoping for peace, but the Clown of Kiev has been ordered to fight on despite the odds and I'm afraid his policies will further the suffering of the everyday people of Ukraine. NATO upping the Anti is leading to world towards a dark place it's never been, so as you say, Let's see.
In all honesty, do you really believe Putin could go anymore savage on Ukraine if NATO intervenes? Putin himself have said several times that Russia doesnt stand a chance against NATO in a conventional war. Russia cant do anything to Ukraine that the West cant help Ukraine revenge.
Russias enemy of choice has been the US, UK and NATO, in that order. Simply because it used to be free of charge - the West ignored Russia. But not anymore. The comming reality is the West drawing lines Russia is going to think twice about crossing.