From the Russian perspective, they seem to view NATO encroachment into Ukraine as an existential threat to their survival. IMO they will not cease hostilities until their objective of de-militarising and de-nazifying Ukraine are complete.
On the other hand, the West continues to escalate the situation and doesn't appear to care about Russian motives whatsoever.
I don't see this ending any time soon; neither side appears to care for the motives of the other and so far show no signs of backing down.
Will the West ultimately accept a Ukrainian defeat if that's what it comes to, or if that's what it takes to avert nuclear holocaust?
What do you think?
I am not sure if I agree or disagree on the comparison, but it is worth noting that Russia pulled out a lot the civilians in Donbas before the war began, something that has only expanded.