Regardless of how this war ends up, I believe History will excoriate and shame Russia for a very long time, putting a black mark on the soul of Russia. They can spin it however they want but modern wars are recorded in HD and every crime will be documented for posterity. This will also have lasting negative affects on the perception of the Russian culture and language and the economic potential and scientific progress of Russia. Russians will learn to revile Vladimir Putin for what he has brought upon them for no good reason.