[newguy]

i think it's quite possible that the Russian Army will be able to take and hold Mariupol and the rest of the Donbass.
but even so, because of all the sanctions placed on the Russian banking system, there will likely be a major recession, layoffs, high unemployment, food shortages, and massive food inflation.  
this will lead to a hungry and unhappy populace, which in the long run, is Putin's worst nightmare.

I honestly thought that Putin, like every and any other narcissistic dictator, didn't give two sxxts about the residents of his country. Is he really concerned about a hungry, unhappy populace?

fair point.  and it's hard to know how long it will take for the sanctions to really take their toll.  
if Russia descends into chaos, then it's possible that those around Putin will act collectively and put some limits on his power.  but it's nearly impossible to estimate the probability of that happening.

[newguy]

i think it's quite possible that the Russian Army will be able to take and hold Mariupol and the rest of the Donbass.
but even so, because of all the sanctions placed on the Russian banking system, there will likely be a major recession, layoffs, high unemployment, food shortages, and massive food inflation.  
this will lead to a hungry and unhappy populace, which in the long run, is Putin's worst nightmare.

I honestly thought that Putin, like every and any other narcissistic dictator, didn't give two sxxts about the residents of his country. Is he really concerned about a hungry, unhappy populace?

fair point.  and it's hard to know how long it will take for the sanctions to really take their toll.  
if Russia descends into chaos, then it's possible that those around Putin will act collectively and put some limits on his power.  but it's nearly impossible to estimate the probability of that happening.