>>507352634
>The special military operation isn't the highest level of escalation right?
So Russia claims, but its a lie.

The reason Putin hasn't engaged general mobilization isn't because of some fantasy about "holding back", but because he very seriously thinks that his people might kill him for it.

You need to realize: No matter how badly the war goes, as long as it doesn't come all the way to Moscow, Putin is keeping his troubles AWAY FROM HIMSELF by continuing the war as he is.

Its hardly a WINNING strategy, but its held the stalemate for 2 years or so as he's waited and prayed for the west to give up.