The West disingenuously called Putin’s “limited military operation” confined to Donbas an “invasion of Ukraine.” It was no such thing. The fact that it was not an invasion and conquest of Ukraine was Putin’s mistake.
The Russian military was trying to occupy Kiev but failed. “limited military operation” is right beside "internal training exercise” that Russia’s military called the invasion before it crossed the border.
He and his Foreign Minister kept stressing their “American partners” and belief in negotiations, while the West organized its attacks on Russia.
They did that to provide cover for their military and delay intervention by other countries. They talk about negotiations but they are just lists of demands that amount to Ukraine’s surrender.
These attacks now include attacks deep into Russia far removed from the battle front. Russia has suffered many attacks from low-flying drones that evade air defense systems.
As opposed to Russia’s years of repeated attacks against targets far from the front lines.
Putin has said that this is the final red line that will force him to acknowledge that Russia is at war with the West.
Putin has made a lot of empty threats, so nobody takes them very seriously. He might actually talk himself into a bigger war if he does suddenly carry through.
Putin has accepted insult after insult, provocation on top of provocation in order to avoid a war that means death for humanity.
No one gives Putin credit for this.
Because he could order the Russian army to retreat and stop the entire war. That the war continues at all is on his head.