[jchoelt]

> First, Putin is likely to carry this war to its conclusion. The reputational cost of turning back now, with blood already shed, would be catastrophic. Putin’s only way out is through, unfortunately.

I don't totally agree, Putin called this a "special operation": this is vague enough so he can claim "mission accomplished" cherry picking any "war accomplishment" he wants. To people claiming he failed his invasion, he can just say "you called it an invasion, it was never an invasion, I said it wasn't an invasion from the beginning."

[pindab0ter]

For someone who likes to keep everything so vague in words to cover his ass, that simply doesn’t sound strong enough, I think.

[avmich]

He can also easily lie, Trump style, manufacture facts etc. Doesn't have much of restraints. And that's in the case he wants to talk to you at all - usually that's reserved for political appearances for the people, via TV.

[roca]

Putin turning back now, saying "actually I never intended to take Kiev", would be a clear admission of defeat. Everyone outside Russia would understand that, which matters because fear of Russia is an important goal for him.