They only survive because they're propped up by western powers. If someone had won their reelection that would have never happened. The tzar probably included that in his calculus but had his timetable delayed by the pandemic.

Of course, but UA had the balls and skills to use the tools effectively was what was very underestimated

Hopefully, one day the truth of delusional propaganda will be universally understood.

It is like a bio-weapon and will eventually take out your own troops.

UA was underestimated, RU was overestimated.