are extremely important in a world where energy and food become more valuable commodities every day. Climate change has made these items tactically important, and they will become even more so in the foreseeable future. Still, Ukraine's value to Russia is primarily strategic. A failure to to stop Russian aggression there will only make it it easier, and consequently, more likely, in the future.

Still, you're right. Putin's primary interest in Ukraine is one of saving face. At first, it seemed like an easy, low risk operation. Its now turning into a question of credibility, like Viet Nam was for the USA. A failure there would make him, and Russia, look weak now, awkward, perhaps even ridiculous.

I think this is why the Biden White House has been so reluctant to provide Ukraine with all the military support it has requested.
The Biden administration understands that it is in Russia's best interest to withdraw from Eastern Europe, but it also understands Putin is capable of acting irrationally if he feels his personal reputation is threatened. If his forces are routed by NATO, or even a relatively small country supported by NATO, Vladimir is finished and he knows it. He may very well push the red button if he feels his back is to the wall.