What about the 8 years of war before the official incursion? The reason not to enter earlier for Putin was likely the political fallout we are now witnessing. The whole world is against him. Its in open view. Unlike whats been going on there for years. Plus it takes time to plan and brainwash the populace toward the common cause. Really I think its just a desperate last attempt to take control back from NATO setting up bases and supply channels. And how many chemical factories and plants were concentrated in that region even with all that instability. Just harmless scientists there working for the good of humanity you reckon?
