Russia in its current borders must remain an empire. Because only Russia without the Caucasus, Belarus, Ukraine, Central Asian peoples etc. could become a nation state that is not expansionist. This nation-state Russia is not to be expected in the foreseeable future, i.e. in the coming generations.
That is why Ukraine must be protected by Western soldiers on its territory, and Belarus too at some point. And Europe - especially Berlin and Paris - must not cooperate with Russia until it pays reparations for its crimes during the Soviet era and in the current war.
Imperial Russia will not agree to this.
After the war, it will depend on how the Europeans relate to Russia, regardless of what policy the USA pursues. Everything indicates that they will betray Ukraine with their legitimate demands on Russia as soon as the war comes to an end, whatever the outcome.
By positioning themselves against the Cold War, the Europeans will, as they have always done, decisively favor the hot war. Then they will make history by being portrayed as innocent lambs.
Putin understands all this very well. And laughs about it.
