No regime "goes back home and licks their wounds." Regimes, especially the Russians, fight to the death. And if their death is imminent, you can be pretty sure they will use their weapons of last resort.
Putin needs to be given a way out with dignity.
“Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.”
― Sun Tzu
@massadvj While I agree that Putin needs an "out" that excuses his insanity and leaves him not looking like a fool,I seriously doubt the Politburo have any interests in fighting to the end. I do think the current leaders there have no intention of giving up their life of privilege and power if they can help it. Change is going to be a slow-motion deal in Russia. The old men in leadership positions are going to have to die off until they are a minority,and then real political change can start happening.
Which is the prime reason I agree with treating Putin with care. He currently represents Russia,and any attack that makes him look bad makes Russia look bad. Don't forget,Russia has been a "cult of personality" since long before the Communists took over.
Change is inevitable,but it's not going to happen overnight. It might take more than one generation to be completed. Don't forget,Russians have NEVER been in charge of their own destinies except for the brief spell before Putin and the communists managed to steal the next election.
I do NOT believe the Russians will launch their nukes unless some other nation is foolish enough to invade Russia. All bets are off if that happens. Change in Russia can be influenced by outsiders,but the actual change has to come from within.
Don't forget,the geezers in the Politburo have grandchildren,and the launch crews at the missile silos also have families they love. These people,especially the young officers at the launch sites know that pushing those buttons will end up in their families all dying. That is mighty powerful incentive to not push those buttons. Unless of course,as I have said before,Russia is invaded by a foreign army that threatens to take over. In that case,all bets are off.
