One of the driving forces I've argued from the beginning is Putin and his close circle are stupid old men. They were obviously very effective men 20 years ago, but like aging athletes, they look pathetic out on the field.

Prigozhin had the right idea (I'm being cold blooded here). Find a way to rally Russians around a feeling of power and success. He was succeeding in Bahkmut (again, forget all the deaths). By pulling support from him Putin saves his pride but, I believe, has lost the war. Putin should have sucked it up and given Pryghozin what he needed.

So, all good for Ukraine. Ukraine never ceases to amaze me at how shrewdly they fight, from psychology to propaganda to the battlefield. The Ukrainians are younger and more motivated. Still, not taking anything away from them ;)