Critical Factoring of Next Movements After Major Objectives are Deemed Out of Reach

Submitted by M Tovey (United States), Oct 6, 2022 at 17:05

Anticpating the Russian's next moves will be decidedly confusing since what appeared to the objectives are now in disarray and assessments of retrieving some self-respect are in jeopardy since it appears that the Russian started something with only minimal internal support and any thought of support beyond the inner circle does not appear on any political radar of any consequence. The NORD 'sabotage' appears as a distraction.
But as distacting as it may be, does it appear to be a cause for retribution? Or maybe, it's an excuse?
The purported 'annexation' of the Ukraine's border territories had been long in question, going way back to the insertion of Russians after removing Ukrainians in times past in order to retrieve the Kievan Rus.
But this cannot be all that the Russian is seeking. As it is becoming obvious that the major objectives are not materializing in the perfect way sought, what are the alternatives that may need defending against?
Going nuclear.though psycholically effective, is complicated. There are no socially redeeming factors; neither practicalities of execution that will not have ramifications of bilateral collateral damages nor rational thinking that survivability could be achieved once that trigger is pulled: so what's the reality being faced?
Does anyone see a practical way to back away? For the Russian(?); for NATO(?); all other actors?

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