The geographical differences between Afghanistan and Ukraine means they can't achieve a similar armistice? Lol. "War has zero relevant factors other than hills." "The plains of Ukraine are a ripe target for Russia's five remaining T-72s." "Any moment now Russia will achieve a breakthrough."

> they swallowed their own cold war bullshit

You're thinking of the actual cold warrior. The one who worked in the soviet intelligence services and became a dictator. The one who initiated the invasion.

> Ukraine was just the nearest opportunity to do so, even if it meant fucking over 25 million people for no clear benefit.

When the US... rolled tanks into Ukraine? You're approaching self-parody my man.