Most of Europe would throw Ukraine under the bus in a heartbeat. I believe we all know that, who follow it closely. But if they did that, the short-term peace will would followed by a longer-term, wider European war and/or Asian war. We have been here before.

While Europe talks peace between Russia and Ukraine they are re-arming. I scream into my hands! People, read the fucking history books! China is already there!

Before the war, there was an argument that Russia was needed to act as a buffer between Europe and China. That need has not gone away. So even though Russia will be defeated, there's a chance that it will once again be allowed to re-arm to fulfil that role and will not have to pay reparations or answer for war crimes. In short, as you say, Putin will not be proven completely wrong in the end. If Russia can't rebuild its fascist state the Europeans and American might do it for them.

Shit, I'm depressing myself ;)