What do you think Putin's endgame is?

He knows Russia is a failed state but he thinks he is owed a seat at the table (which he has at the UN thanks to the Cold War). Because it’s a failure, he wants to bring down the West to Russia’s level.

He's just mourning lost empire, in his own very special way.

He wants to drag the whole world down to Russia s level

"Because it’s a failure, he wants to bring down the West to Russia’s level."

And Trump/MAGAts/Republicans are more than happy to aid and abet him in the process.

Russian to the man believe that if ANYONE else benefits, then they lose.

The plan for the destruction of USA democracy and it's relationship with European allies is basically complete.

He would like Russia to regain control over all the ex-soviet countries. He knows that's unlikely so he's settled for Ukraine and possibly Moldova later on down the road. Hopefully he'll die soon. He's old for a Russian.