I don't believe it, but who knows. The reason I don't believe it is the number of conscripts that were sent in from the north. Why do that if you think you're going to meet heavy fighting. I believe Russia thought Ukraine would crumble at the sight of all those tanks and paratrooopers.

Before the invasion Puting talked about giving Zelensky a "thrashing". My read of Putin is he thought Zelensky a fool, a comedian, out of touch with reality. At the time, who would have argued otherwise?

Also, as you probably know being one of my supportive readers, I don't believe East Ukraine is worth much to Russia. The prize is the South. Not only does Russia fully control Black and Azov sea, it landlocks Ukraine and can starve it.

I like Scott Ritter, but people ignore when him when he says, "I am totally speculating and might be totally wrong" or something to that effect.

What's your take?