[imgr8ness]

If testicular fortitude is measured by what actions you are prepared to take, regardless of the consequences, then Putin must have the most testicular fortitude of them all.

If your actions aren't backed by values or principles, then I disagree. I wouldn't be surprised if he's missing his right one, another dictator that blew his brains out.

Having balls doesn't make you a great man. It makes you likely to make decisions that hurt people. Putin isn't alone in making those kinds of decisions, and I would never consider the Western powers innocent of that. However, I think Putin has gone further than anyone has in the last 50 years. I don't think the history books will talk kindly of this man.

However, nobody expected the Ukranians to do as well as they have. This war does seem to be a story of individuals showing how much they want to fight for their home.

I disagree when you say Putin has gone further than anyone (I assume you mean by starting war in Ukraine) in the last 50 years. That would only be true if you dismiss everything the US has done in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan for the last 20+ years. The US is without a doubt the most bloodthirsty nation on the planet and they always act with inpunity because they craft a narrative that places them as the force for good, when they clearly aren't.

History books? Take what you read with a grain of salt, we all know history is written by the victor. And as recent events have shown us all too clearly, history is delicate and can be erased easily by a rag tag mob of brainwashed young adults with blue hair. History books contain a grain of truth with the majority being artistic license by the authors, designed as propaganda to boost morale.