Putin’s decision to sign treaties annexing the territories, some of which Russia does not fully control, is a major escalation of Russia’s seven-month-old war and is likely to shut the door on diplomacy for years to come.Putin has repeatedly said he is ready to defend the territories using all available means, indicating he would be willing to resort to a nuclear strike in order to avert Ukraine’s efforts to liberate its sovereign land. what is next for Putin after annexation?
