R_L,
Yet again, you're labouring under a whole host of misconceptions. Allow me to put you straight . . .
The war would have ended nine months ago.
Why?
You - and the collective west think Russia should work according to
your time frame. When they don't, you equate that with them losing the war. This is western propaganda pure and simple. If you fall for it, then I'm afraid you're engaging in what Jordan Peterson describes as 'low resolution thinking'.
Zelensky would have been captured, killed, or exiled.
Why?
While Zelensky is seen by the west as the reincarnation of Mother Theresa, killing him would play into the hands of western politicians and MSN. c_v thinks Putin's a pariah now, just imagine what he'd think if Zelensky was assassinated!!! That said, in the fullness of time, Zelensky will be replaced - his days are numbered.
Some puppet à la
Yanukovych would be president of Ukraine.
In time - this will happen.
The U.S. put in their puppet in 2014 - and I dare say that once Zelensky and his regime are evicted that the Russians will replace him with someone favourable to them. That's just common sense. There's no point going to all this trouble just to replace Zelensky with another U.S. puppet is there!
NATO wouldn't be expanding.
Well, it won't be expanding any further - that's for sure. Putin / Russia will see to that!
There would have been no partial mobilization.
Why?
Again, you and the west think you know better than Russia how to conduct the war. When they don't do as you think they should - you regard that as failure on their part. More low resolution thinking.
Russia wouldn't need to resurrect
50-year-old tanks.
Why?
If the tanks serve their purpose and are still in good working order - why not use them? And if they're not fit for purpose, they would have been decommissioned. Obvious, innit!
Why?
If another country makes a weapon that you can use to good effect - why not use it? (And Russia has used them to devastating effect.) If you apply your logic to Ukraine, they wouldn't be using the bulk of the weapons they're using.
Why?
MSM spin. Sure, he's changed the head man and, doubtless a few others. So what? It's reasonable to ensure one has the best wo/men in place at the top to get the job done. By your flawed logic, no successful business would ever replace their senior executives.
timsk wouldn't be risking his precious silver.
The risk to me is zero. Literally zero. Ukraine will not be getting back the territory the Russians control - so I can not lose the bet. Whereas, the probability of me winning it is extremely high - I'm already 9/10ths of the way there!
Tim.