I think you are putting words in my mouth (fingers). I mean NOW the war would be over in a matter of weeks if the US were not footing the entire bill. That was certainly NOT the case in Feb. 24.

I think "highly undesirable" is not a universal concept. If you are a front line soldier, or live near the front, the end of the war is definitely desirable. The farther you get from the blood and death, the more reasons can be found for the war to continue.

Do I think that Putin is a good guy? No. Do I care which flag flies over Melitopol? FFS until a year ago I didn't even know Melitopol existed.