[dahdum]

> Has Russia been defeated, though?

No, but even a Pyrrhic victory appears out of reach. A 100% instant capitulation by Ukraine wouldn't undue most sanctions, NATO expansion, Western military buildup, their tarnished military reputation, or even a semblance of their recent soft power. It's projected to take 10+ years to create the manufacturing base needed just to start rebuilding their former military strength, dependent as it was on Western sources.

I don't think anyone sees a way out of this that approaches a "win" from the Russian perspective.