Understanding why Russia is authoritarian and invaded Ukraine
akselallas.xyzSo, it has to gain:
- geographically defensible borders
for which it pays with:
- international sanctions
- loss of trust by the population
- economical distress
Not a great deal in my opinion.
I would assume Putin hopes that a war unites the Russian people and increases his own power more than it loses trust.
It's a gamble for sure.