They've already had thousands of casualities, including two generals and other high-ranking officials[0]. I wouldn't say they are playing mental games with the rest of the world. It doesn't even look like China, supposedly their number one ally, is on board with all of this[1]
Clearly, Russia's army is having a lot of problems, and Putin is not that mastermind that some media segments claim him to be.
Clearly, Russia's army is having a lot of problems, and Putin is not that mastermind that some media segments claim him to be.
[0] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/08/vitaly-gerasim...
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russia-sa...