But he likely saw the alternative as Ukraine in NATO, colour revolutions spreading to Russia, and ending up like Gadaffi (whose gruesome death he was said to have watched on video over and over again).
Probably he regrets not doing it sooner, when the Ukranian military was in much worse shape.
From where he stands, democracy is a threat. The fact that we disagree won't change it.
But I find Bill Browder’s explanation more plausible. Essentially Putin is like a Mafia boss and his organisation has been stealing from the Russian for years and years. To keep up his regime and organisation he needs to create conflicts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Browder
Also watch the documentary by Navalny that exposed Putin… one reason why he is now in prison.
However, when you have narcissistic personality disorder, as Putin does, doing the above just isn't an option.
Every dictators seems to have the need to sink with their governments and take the country together for a ride.
This is nonsense. Specially after 2014.
> colour revolutions spreading to Russia
Revolutions are not successful unless driving by elites of that country.
Winning at what? Oppressing and exploiting ppl for his own gain and being responsible for thousands and thousands of civilians being murdered?
Not something I’d admire if I were you.
Plus, if you look at the way Musk got played recently to spread Russian talking points about Ukraine in order to protect his precious Starlink from weapons Russia probably doesn't even have, it becomes somewhat more obvious how the comparison breaks down.
Do you think Russia will be in a better place than it was before this war?
Nonsense. Temporary disruption and disagreement over energy politics will not lead to a long term break in the fundamental political alignment of Poland and Hungary and will certainty not break the EU.
> Plus, if you look at the way Musk got played recently to spread Russian talking points about Ukraine in order to protect his precious Starlink from weapons Russia probably doesn't even have, it becomes somewhat more obvious how the comparison breaks down.
You seem to love to make lots of assumptions without evidence.
First of all, not everybody who doesn't support war until all parts of Ukraine are recovered is a Russian tool. Most wars end on compromise and both sides usually try to shoot down anybody who suggest a compromise.
And if you really think he did this to protect Starlink you have a series lack of understanding of space politics and relative capability.
By invading Ukraine, Putin has achieved the exact opposite he wanted to achieve. The West is now more united than ever and more Russia border countries are going to join NATO. On top of that he has destroyed Russian economy. Tell me how that's not stupid?
I don't even have to go into Musk's actions. He massively overpaid for Twitter and to service the loan he has to pay $1bn a year. Even if he'd cut all his staff and millions would subscribe to Twitter blue - that wouldn't be enough to service the loan. Plus tons of advertisers left the platform because he's a loose canon spewing conspiracy theories. How is this not stupid?