BloggeRhythms

Just a quick note today, to record some thoughts on Ukraine. Having no hard information whatsoever, the feeling grows here that Vladmir Putin has accepted, as does significant numbers of others, that invading Ukraine was a mistake. While the Ukrainians themselves are far more formidable than believed, Putin’s own troops are far weaker than thought, as well. Therefore, the conflict could potentially endure for years in the future, draining Russian assets and relationships further.

Now anticipating far less spoils of war, particularly territorially, the intelligent thing to do would be to write the invasion off and pull out. But Putin, pompous, egotist that he is, either cannot or will not personally accept the logic. So, what to do about it?

In the last few days, articles and broadcasts have begun mentioning “rumors” about Putin’s health. Katie Davis writes @/www.the-sun.com, “[Ukrainian] Major General Kyrylo Budanov, 36, believes the tyrant's calamitous war in Ukraine will hit a "breaking point" in summer and be over before the end of the year.” The official told Sky News that Putin will be ousted from office within this time as his invasion continues to stall in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance - with rumours continuing to swirl about the Russian president's health.”

General Budanov said: "The breaking point will be in the second part of August.

"Most of the active combat actions will have finished by the end of this year.

"As a result, we will renew Ukrainian power in all our territories that we have lost including Donbas and the Crimea."

“Putin had been hoping for a swift victory in Ukraine - but the faltering invasion has seen thousands of Russian soldiers killed and huge amounts of hardware destroyed by hero defenders.

“General Budanov believes the war will be over within months and will see Putin - who he says is seriously ill with cancer - removed from power.

He told the outlet: "It will eventually lead to the change of leadership of the Russian Federation.

"This process has already been launched and they are moving into that way."

Therefore, whether the general’s timetables work out to the specifics or not, his conclusions seem highly probable to be accurate. And one way or another, Putin’s health will be the basis for a face-saving exit strategy from his mistaken invasion of Ukraine.

That’s it for today folks.

Adios