They have already succeeded, to a large extent. Ukraine is destroyed and they have called NATO’s bluff. Ukraine will have no economy or real productive investment for years, especially if NATO and the US deep state continue to make it a weapons depot and pawn for confronting Russia.
Ukraine had 50+ million population when it left the Soviet Union. It had about 35 million at the start of the war back in February. 5-6 million have fled, and Russia will grab back at least 10+ million in the east, who will become Russian citizens. Ukraine already has one of the lowest birthrates in the world and a majority of young adults emigrated every year even when there was relative peace. Ukraine could very well just disappear.
It had about 35 million at the start of the war back in February
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What did you do to the other 9 million Ukrainians?