This is how I see these events. It's all the product of someone that wants to survive and keep the perks until his death - at all costs.

If there was a greater interest at play Russia would be a very different place, and Ukraine would willingly join their sphere of influence.

“The Dictator’s Handbook” is a great book that argues (convincingly) that countries “act” not in their “own” self-interest but in the self-interest of their leader.

Which is always to stay in power (and maximize their power).

So I agree as short-sighted and bad it would be for Russia to do this, if it helps Putin stay in power right now, it makes sense.

And honestly, who else would do it?

At the scale of countries, the world is anarchy. - Some random Reddit comment that stuck with me

But couldn't he have kept his perks by, you know, not invading Ukraine in the first place?

Emperor has no clothes scenario. Everyone is telling him his army is strong and can steam roll Ukraine. Meanwhile his army consists of untrained men in rain boots whose leadership has no idea how to fight but is really good at stealing everything not nailed down.

Doesn't have a time machine, or else I'm sure by now he would've taken the option of "not invading Ukraine in the first place".

Helps to stay alive and in charge when your economy is still benefiting from the massive revenues the pipleline brings. It's amazing the lengths some people will go to distort reality to fit their preconceptions.