The aim of Russia's war in Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special operation," is to put an end to the Western dominance in the world, he added.

That's a pleasingly modest aim. And I suppose Ukranians can consider themselves honoured to find themselves hosting such a decisive struggle.

Though I haven't yet worked out how the annexion of the Donbass to Russia could constitute (or trigger?) this momentous realignment.

As for Putin's other announced aims : I suppose having made an example of thousands of Ukrainian civilians will have to count as successful de-nazification; however concerning the aim of rolling back NATO from Russia's borders, it'll be hard to spin a success out of Sweden and Finland clamouring to join...

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}