I don't think there was the expectation of collapse. Of a settlement maybe. Russians claimed they showed good will by retreating their troops around Kiev. See the peace talks in Turkiye, sabotaged ultimately by the USUK.
Again, assuming the truth in your assertions, that's a really dumb negotiation strategy, taking your foot off your enemy’s neck when you need them to reach agreement.
I do agree here with you, 100%. One knows that engaging with Ukrainians is a fool's errand unless they are beaten up completely. Minsk agreements are the template of behaviour.
No, they expected Ukraine to collapse the way the American puppet regime in Afghanistan rapidly collapsed.
This did not happen, for a variety of reasons.
I don't think there was the expectation of collapse. Of a settlement maybe. Russians claimed they showed good will by retreating their troops around Kiev. See the peace talks in Turkiye, sabotaged ultimately by the USUK.
Again, assuming the truth in your assertions, that's a really dumb negotiation strategy, taking your foot off your enemy’s neck when you need them to reach agreement.
"Put the gun down, and then we'll talk...."
I do agree here with you, 100%. One knows that engaging with Ukrainians is a fool's errand unless they are beaten up completely. Minsk agreements are the template of behaviour.