[GratefulCitizen]

Here’s an idea to chew on: What if this is Putin’s off-ramp?
Whether it was planned or it is just taking advantage of an opportunity, this could be an exit.

Much of the economically valuable territory is now controlled.
The lines are suitable for a building a solid defense.

Wagner proved effective at offensive operations.
Will regular forces prove sufficient for defensive operations?

The west has painted itself into a political corner.
“Victory” has been defined as expelling Russia from all of Ukraine.

Maybe Putin sits back and dares the west to come and take it.
This also allows him to cast the west as aggressors when justifying the continuation of the conflict to the Russian people.