This is his last card imo. He knows his time (as in physically) is limited. So he's gotta do ONE MORE JOB that solidifies his legacy which is restore the Western Bloc. Ukraine is the first wave.
However, through the sanctions, war fatigue and other economic factors, Russia could collapse from within before he gets the chance to progress further. At this point, we may just have to chalk Ukraine up as a L.
It's wild because, in our lifetime we haven't seen borders change very much. The exception I can think of is The Sudan/South Sudan.
But through history borders changed all the time...the difference here is that Putin can push the button the MOMENT he feels pressed. And that basically would end the world.
Anything is possible with this guy at this point. But, he will destroy his country, which has had an amazing rise from when the USSR was previously dismantled. Restoring Russia into what it is today should be the legacy he is after, not heading down a dead end.
None of it makes sense to me:
His country is doing so well that he is able to support proxy wars.
He has a natural gas pipeline that will tighten his grip on Western Europe’s energy needs.
His strategy of shattering the US appearance as a stable democracy has succeeded.
He even annexed Crimea with minor consequences.
Dam, just be happy with these achievements.