Russia seizes Ukrainian ships near Crimea after firing at them

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

The US will never allow Russia to invade Ukraine

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

The map above means nothing. Some people in these regions may sympathize Russia, and what of it? Putin will never dare to invade Ukraine.

Russia already invaded somewhere around 10%.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

The map above means nothing. Some people in these regions may sympathize Russia, and what of it? Putin will never dare to invade Ukraine.

Russia already invaded somewhere around 10%.

And got into much trouble. Living standards are getting worse, Putin' approval ratings having plunged to 30% - less tban Trump's ones.

Bush at least invaded entire countries for his 30% approval.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

It's so interesting how low Putin's approvals are. I never would've expected that, figured he'd be president for life.. now perhaps not?

I believe that he still has that plan as his most optimal goal. Yet with the current implosion of his support, I see three ugly options.
1. The 1982 Syria option. He goes cracking down on dissidents as he cling to power, cannibalizing his possible successors in the carnage. Any survivability of the regime is quickly diminished as it is put on secret life support.
2. He smells the roses and gives in to small reforms to pacify the population. In one or two more terms, he hands power to Sergei Shoygu or whoever else can kiss his behind before he relinquishes power.
3. He manages to survive by sheer craftiness and manipulation at home and abroad. His opponents are too busy dealing with internal fascists to have the means against Russia. Regime survives without any acts of relinquishing power.

The Presidential election isn't until 2024, and he isn't allowed a 3rd consecutive term. So he probably either is Prime Minister again or retires.