Russia's goal isn't the complete destruction of Ukraine and it's people
It's the complete subjugation of Ukraine. Putin has been very clear about this on multiple occasions. He doesn't think Ukraine is a valid separate country.

they could have done that in a month or perhaps less, using conventional weapons.
They tried. They failed.

The fact is Russia can decide at anytime that they are tired of this and just go all in and they would win decisively.
The factual evidence says you're wrong.



I wasn't trying to say SH position was wrong.
Just to be clear, I didn't think you were. Though my post may have come across that way.