[hutzlibu]

How are they saving face?

Internal power struggles are a sign of weakness. Putin does not like to appear weak.

Now while it certainly has staged elements, the power struggle between Wagner and the regular army is very real.

But the outcome hopefully will actually lead to ending the war (blaming it on the Wagner traitors). Or worst case, all out nuclear war.

[411111111111111]

I can't speak for a Russians perspective of saving face, as I'm an unrelated outsider.

Nonetheless, if Russia ceases their aggression after this then it wouldn't have been defeated by Ukraine. You'd basically end up with non-patriots having caused the loss, as such you'll have a group of people to blame.