@EssentialUtinsil @sickburnbro @transgrammaractivist Yes - strike at the root, instead of the branch - but the root was tougher than they anticipated, and didn't sacrifice all it's goodies for a quick-win, as they planned. Unfortunately for Russia, the slow way also has its drawback - giving the enemy time to counter-escalate.

Iran would not be easy either, though - is of considerable size, rugged terrain to hide stuff (like Afghanistan), and will have Russia continually supplying them.