Perhaps Putin has realised that this war is both troublesome, expensive and politically unpopular. ( Not that it matters, but bullets do hurt. ) Perhaps the new annexure of territory, and a threat to flick the switch , will bring on negotiations, where Russia wins, the Ukraine wins and NATO wins. No one loses face, and the gas pipeline opens for Winter, bringing a bonus for all parties.
Get it done before Christmas, and the world will go bananas, with a massive spend up to also see business into a profitable start to 2023...
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(20min delay)