The Imperial Frontier Rejects Russian Control

While Russia has tunnel vision trying to batter forward in Ukraine's Donbas with a disintegrating army, Russia is losing its influence in its former Soviet republics in Central Asia.

Collateral damage: 

A major casualty of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has been its weakening position and leverage in Central Asia.

This loss of influence in Central Asia is a real problem for Russia in contrast to the fantasy of a NATO threat:

Russia's pointless hostility toward NATO and its failed war in Ukraine are tying Russia down in the West needlessly.

One day China will eject Russian influence in Central Asia if Russia doesn't stop angering and alienating the West, making it impossible for Russia to pivot to Asia.

Strategery.

I used to ask if anybody would tell Putin he's effing up royally. Now I wonder if he will simply be punished for effing up royally.  

NOTE: Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.