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Absolutely best piece I have read from you. I am considerably less confused than when I started.

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An elegant and, I suspect - never having lived in Russia - largely accurate explanation categorizing the differences defining 'corruption' in Russia v. the U.S.

But, never mind all that - what I'd like to know is, HOW, in your insightful opinion, this Special Military Operation Other Than War (SMOOTW) - might END? How (and dare I ask, 'When') might things return to 'Normal.' And what will 'Normal' even look like?

As things have evolved, it appears our collective East-West geopolitical "Humpty Dumpty" has willfully propelled himself off the wall, and no one has a clue how to ever put Humpty together again.

Are we back to Ian Buruma's "YEAR ZERO," again? Again?

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I think DNR and LNR will be reincorporated into Russia. The Ukrainian army will be left a smoldering ruin. Those are the stated goals of the Russian MoD and they cannot back down from them. I have little reason to believe that they won't achieve these goals.

Everything else will be a bonus if it is realized.

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I suspect you're right.

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