The Russian economy, according to the experts who study this, is on the precipice. Two days ago I Googled "Russia Economy" and there were dozens of articles--many from reputable publications--predicting the implosion of the Russian economy in 2025.

Maybe instead of focusing so much on our domestic disaster, I'll watch Russia more closely. I'm hoping that Europe doesn't waver in its support for Ukraine. Poland has been so steadfast from day one--I hope they keep this up while Germany and France sort through the turbulent political times they currently face.

not at least scale anyway. Putin had to be aware of the corruption that, from what I’ve read, lead to lots of resources/equipment not being available.

A complete lack of training. Basic is mostly beating the recruits into obedience. Almost no “lifers” as we called them which means no say to day training and establishing standards. A top heavy structure with Generals way closer to the action than is imaginable.

They’ve been held off and really dominated by basically a civilian turned military force. Lessons learned from 2014. A remarkable performance really.

Putin can’t go anywhere. He can barely retreat.

A smaller country has inflicted horrible losses on Putin's military

Link to tweet

Zelenskyy is the president of Ukraine.

Poland was never threatened. Moldova, yes.

Perhaps because I think the idea that Trump will "pressure" Putin/Rusher is laughable.

He couldn't "pressure" his way out of a paper sack.

and the Baltic states are also at risk.

European NATO wont back down, but question is will Trump actually help Russia. I wouldn't rule that out. That would change everything.

Even WITHOUT NATO.

or could mean there's an infinitesimal, non-zero chance. I lean towards the latter.

At this point, Putin doesn't have the ability to invade a NATO nation, let alone the revanchist need.

And Poland? Why Poland? It's full of Poles, not the Soviet-relocated Russian emigrant population that gave him pretext to invade Ukraine.

but not the ability to keep/hold any gains, and will eventually get his teeth kicked in if his troops take one step over the border.

It's in the nature of despots like Putin; they never stop craving expansion just like the uber rich never have enough to stop stealing from the poor.
When you ask why, you are assuming there are logical reasons. He isn't normal. He'll find whatever pretext he needs.

US Intelligence was talking about the former, not the latter. Based on evidence.

Putin might not be immediately ready, but it helps to not care how much your actions cause your people to suffer, and to have control over the president of a wealthy nation with lots of weapons.