I think this story was shorter than your other pieces! But thanks for the heads up at the beginning!

Very sobering analysis One could point out some very cynical stuff. The U.S. may see it exactly the way you see it. Russia will ultimately control most of Ukraine, but it can't hold it. Every day it does it gets weaker and weaker. It will have to sell its oil at extortion prices because, well, the population won't accept hard tack for the next decade and, like you say, bullets cost money.

Simply put, Russia can't afford Plan B.

What those U.S. cynics may not see is the problems you've gone over in your other pieces. Russia falling apart doesn't keep America together by itself. Indeed, it will make it more difficult for American to fix internal problems. I agree with you, American can either pay a little now, or a lot later.

Kasparov is clear-eyed like you https://youtu.be/o0no08rerPw