They could not get Ukraine to undertake Minsk political reforms to bring peace and since Biden brought back Nuland in 2021 Ukraine was readying to start a war in Crimea.
Russia moved first and got the jump on the US. In April 2022 there was a 2nd chance at Minsk like solution and preserving borders, neutrality for Ukraine and Crimea to remain in Russia. Thats is no longer on the table, from here it just gets worse. The war isnt over yet because the US elections are in November, no way Biden could politically deal with Ukraine loss prior to the poll. We already know who will win this war of attrition IMO. Russia has taken the gloves off in 2024. Iskanders and Khinzhals (same thing but air launched) seem to be unstoppable taking out high value targets like air defence systems. New stealthy X-68 pulverising power infrastructure, cheap geraniums soaking up expensive air defence rounds. Glide bombs devastating Ukraine fortifications and the russian advances continue. Its rumoured that the russians will begin an offensive in summer, I think Ukraine will hang in till the US election but it will have less territory than today and it didnt need to be like this is the sad thing.
