My big conclusion, this is a "normal" war between two uniformed groups of soldiers, not some occupation or insurgency. Or some bullshit where a super-power is trying to impose radically different values through a provisional government with a bunch of semi-retarded goat herders. Given that, Russia has all the cards in their favor.

Moreover, Putin doesn't have to worry much about unfavorable press and upcoming elections, so if the casualties mount (but not to high) but the victories keep stacking up, in the long run Russia wins.