It's the non-consideration of what that actually means which gets me. As if no thought whatsoever needs to be put into possible scenario's that result from such decisions, or what the expected countermeasures will be from the opponent.

We see how bad Putin screwed up with his decision to invade Ukraine. Russian casualties are high. He has brought economic ruin to his country. Europe is dropping Russian energy. He has united the West against him, and Ukraine/Europe now loathe Russia.

They have claimed the territory, they have also called for referenda and will formalise that claim. Sham, unfair or unethical - none of those adjectives change the reality that the territory is occupied and will be formally inducted into the Russian federation AND with the support of substantial parts of the Luhansk/Donetsk population.

Putin can get up scream and raise his arms around. Nobody cares. He is alone in this and the people that surround him at home see the writings on the wall. It's so bad now that he has to announce a military mobilization.

Putin has no choice but to back down and move out of all foreign territories. That is the only way to prevent further damage to himself and the Russian people. Ceding control of Donetsk and Luhansk is his only way out.