I probably read all of the wars that are written in the books. And it is actually all about profit, either by land, power, religion, and ethnicity. Wars may be costly of course but those involved especially the aggressor calculated it already and made sure that it is all worth it.
So let's talk about the example which is the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. Do we really think Putin and his cabinets didn't expect heavy sanctions and losses coming? Of course, they analyzed as many possible outcomes. Russia believes that it is worth it to invade Ukraine in order to strengthen its position in the country and the possibility of stopping it from joining NATO. If Ukraine joins NATO then there is a high possibility that nukes will be installed. Crimea a part of Ukraine that was taken earlier by Russia has been a big naval base of the Russian navy since the old times and it will be in danger if Ukraine joins NATO.
Although Russia didn't expect the war to prolong I think it will end with the aggressor holding big Crimea and the rebel regions of Luhansk and Donetsk in the east. There are only over 200 million Russians and its vast lands are rich enough for them to recover its economic losses in the coming years.
I am not saying that I am a pro-Russian invasion here. I believe wars should be prevented at all costs. But as a long-time history and current events follower, I can see the Russian point of view.
Sure, all wars start with a goal and there will be profits in it. No country spends billions of dollars to wage war without taking into account profit, profit here is about territory, people, natural resources...
Today, the world is no longer the same as before, war is very unlikely, it is no longer an invasion between big countries and small countries to win resources or assert their position. It only flares up when there are problems that cannot be solved by foreign policy and it directly affects the safety and interests of the country.
Like you, I must say that war between Russia and Ukraine is a crime and should never be supported or encouraged. But in the case of Russia, if they don't act, Ukraine joins NaTo then the safety of its people and their prosperity will be threatened as NaTo establishes military bases close to their territory. Each side has its own reasons, it is difficult to defend either side.
We'll said fellas. Everybody think that Putin is out of his mind, that includes me to be honest. But at the same time, deep in our minds, we know that things are complicated but there are profits to gain and it is even more valuable than money. Security is what inside Putin's head and Crimea together with some territories in eastern Ukraine.
Depending on someone's perspective but negotiations are generally clear that Russia has the upper hand. Russian main demands is for Ukraine to never join NATO, officially accepts that Crimea is part of Russia and Donbas and Luhansk be granted independence. And Russia is occupying more than its primary objectives that means more cards to play in the negotiating table. Even if Russia won't achieve all of these terms in the treaty it is still a victory for them than not doing anything.