What concerns me is a repeat of the GW1 to GW2 scenario, where an initial failure to remove a despot following the invasion of another sovereign state led to another major conflict a few years later. As long as Putin and his cronies remain in power, Russia will remain a rogue state. It seems possible, perhaps even likely, that Russia could de-escalate the war with Ukraine, simply as a means to allow them to build up their forces ready for another go in few years time.