“I’m convinced that Putin will fail and Russia will suffer strategic defeat” in Ukraine.--U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Britain’s foreign secretary Liz Truss in a news conference just now.

Really, Tony?

Sec Blinken says Putin has a clear plan to brutalize Ukraine, “But to what end?” He says it is clear from the Ukrainian people that they will never accept some kind of a “puppet regime.” March 9, 2022

He signaled, however, that that does not mean Ukraine is going to win this military conflict, as the attacks on Ukrainian cities continue and Russia gathers its forces for whatever is the next stage of its offensive.

“You can take a country but you cannot take the hearts and minds of its people,” Blinken said, with an ominous message wrapped up in a defiant top line.

THAT'S what it is! Excellent call, Guardian!  You're talking out your ass, Tony.