After the collapse of the Soviet system there was hope of a democratic republic in Russia. Russia failed herself and now the world. There is a sure and steady stream that got Russia on her own to mess up.
In all likelihood Putin will be hung by the Russians.
Yesterday I would have said this is unlikely. However, the situation has escalated. The EU, not NATO has sent war planes to Ukraine, and Putin had said he will attack any country the provides deadly weapons. Several counties have announced that they will send arms.
So, Putin has to respond or fold. If he responds he has to move toward thermonuclear war, if he folds he has to be deposed to get sanctions lifted.
Just like Operation Market Garden, or Operation Watch on the Rhine. There is a need for speed. Supplies, food, ammo and fuel only lasts so long and the supply lines cannot be built robust enough to win a drawn out battle. Once small arms channels, including anti tank and anti aircraft rockets are established, the insurgency cannot be rooted out.
It appears that Putin (This is a surprise to me because Putin is a skilled spy and should have had excellent intelligence) made a sad miscalculation about how many Ukrainians really did not want to be under the influence of Russia. As such Putin made a significant tactical error in not sealing the borders before attempting to take the cities.
Cheers
Qazulight