This is the funny thing where Putin may literally publish an essay on his desire to invade Ukraine… and yet many Western intellectuals will continue saying “no, that is not true, that is American propaganda, you are too smart to believe that aren’t you...”
Well, Putin saying that wasn’t an actual guarantee that he would act that way. Thinking he was just setting the stage for acceptance of a more modest acquisition wasn’t actually crazy, even if it turned out to be wrong.
Actually, Putin made his plans quite public some time ago.
This is the funny thing where Putin may literally publish an essay on his desire to invade Ukraine… and yet many Western intellectuals will continue saying “no, that is not true, that is American propaganda, you are too smart to believe that aren’t you...”
Well, Putin saying that wasn’t an actual guarantee that he would act that way. Thinking he was just setting the stage for acceptance of a more modest acquisition wasn’t actually crazy, even if it turned out to be wrong.