It is cheaper both in direct costs and in terms of unforeseen consequences.

False choice fallacy. Both can be the problem.

The richest Americans are above the law.

Putin thought he would take Ukraine in a matter of days. It’s been years.

The ruble has been hit hard by all the sanctions. The Russian economy has been weakened to divert funds to a war inept Russia can’t even finish. Russia’s infrastructure and money-producing assets like their oil refineries and rail yards are being attacked by Ukrainians as well as partisans within Russia.

Are Russians killing a lot of Ukrainians? Sure, but they’ve made a laughable amount of progress in Ukraine over the years. Look at the Black Sea fleet numbers. Ultimately Putin is fucking over Russia for a war he can’t finish.