Putin’s determination to restore the USSR. I don’t think he has a 21st century mentality but is consumed with the lost power of the past. To be surprised at his determination (and for him possibly his raison d’etre) in persisting to push forward, seems to be clueless in this respect. He hasn’t really faced significant pushback in the last decade that shone a light on his persistence.

The question is, what will he do if we actually take strong, effective, even military action against him?