If you frame it that way, what are the downsides?
There's already no games for me, why let you get the fun?
What did you in question even expected when escalating?
There's already no games for me, why let you get the fun?
What did you in question even expected when escalating?
Of course the real problem is that it's ordinary Russians who bear the suffering caused by their own government, while the ruling elite enjoys luxurious lifestyle no matter what sanctions Europe and US do. The solution would be making life difficult for the oligarchy, but that would probably require measures West isn't willing to employ, because they would be illegal under international law (which Russia doesn't care about).
You did not have to weaponize everything yet you did.
I don't see this historical spirit being applied in the century XXI against anybody besides Russia. And it's not like there is no wars.
You are trying to frame escalations into some legalistic framework, but it only works domestically. Internationally, it is "you punch us, we punch you, we stab you, you stab us". No empty words are necessary and may cause additional violence in response.