Here's a theory, I'd love some input on:
Putin's retreat from Kherson has something to do with the fact there's no RED WAVE of GOP-ers headed to dominate Congress come Jan 1, 2023 and he was holding out for them, (with pressure from the now also politically wounded) DFG to end military support of Ukraine.
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I think he was effed regardless of our election. His economy and army's a shambles, the GOP was just mouthing off, they love spending $$$ on the military and backing out would be more than tacit approval for China.