That's what I don't get about the whole situation. Putin always seemed like an intelligent man, that understood Russia's strengths and weaknesses. I would've thought he would try to divide the EU significantly before invading Ukraine.

Whether or not he takes Ukraine is pretty much irrelevant now. They will have the equivalent of a warmonger penalty for at least a decade. I wonder if there is any truth to the rumor that he is sick, that's the only way I see that the whole puzzle fits.