China does not need to attack India or Taiwan right now to prove that its a superpower because it already is. It is consulted on all major issues and the world engaged with them with respect because they have earned it. China hopes that it will be more powerful in future and hence they are measured in their approach.

Russia is lost. There is nothing else Putin could do to make Russia more relevant on world stage. Russia is staring at slow decline of its human capital which will settle in west. Its former colonies like Ukraine or Poland would love to be part of EU/NATO etc.

This is why Putin needs a war to appear great. At its core it is about western world's victory on the world state.

After war he will assassinate your innovators and business leaders.