ScottCDunn, the war was certainly manufactured -- and by Putin.

As far as timing is concerned. Yes I image Putin taking advantage of a retraction of American interest beyond its shores (particularly happening over the last 20 years). NATO has looked sleepy and although Biden has engaged the U.S. with Europe again after the buffoonery of the Trump years, the West's situation still looked weak. Biden's awful abandonment of Afghanistan was most likely also put into Putin's calculation.

Events like these are obviously distractions and could be a calculated one on Putin's behalf to move from troubles in Russia to pages of history. You could say that Boris Johnson lucked out and steadied his very shaky office.

Dictators have the time old problem of retiring. Just how to do that and retain your health and loot?

Many thanks.

Your conspiracy stuff is -- well, entertaining.