Russia+NKorea surely can't go longer than US and Europe, look at the numbers in economy, population etc. Even if the US pulls out, Europe on its own would have more than enough resources to outspend Putin. It's a matter of political will, that's all. If Europe would be equally commited to Ukraine then Russia wouldn't stand a chance. So whether it's a waste of money or not now is a question of whether Europe is willing to properly support Ukraine. I guess you could make the point that it's about time we finally decide this, but the means surely are there and at our disposal.

[–] ravhall@discuss.online -5 points 12 hours ago

The key point is “if [they] would”

Europe and the US really don’t want to get involved more than they are. Sure, we can toss them some of our bullets for good measure, but they don’t want boots on the ground.

Russia really could just throw more people at the problem. They’ll draft the whole country before they give up. Putin is that crazy.