Pootin wants to be remembered as the leader to who returned his country to the super power status of the Soviet Union. He really thinks he can bring back many of the old USSR satellite countries...? But all he has done, to this point, is show how wrong the world is about the competence and power of the Russian military. I really think Pootin sees his days as leader coming to the end, and he wants to go out as the "great restorer" of Russia's greatness. He is in a quagmire in Ukraine, but there is one huge fear.Why did Hitler go out as the 20th century Hitler?
Or some shit haha
Honest answer: He doesn't think of it that way (obviously). My best guess: It appears that he may be steeped in 19th century Russian empire mythology about itself. He has referenced it many times. I think he honestly thinks his victory will inspire the country of Russia (and its diaspora, as he sees it) to 'return to greatness', and that his statue will be in every circle.
The more the Russian military is stalemated and thwarted by the Ukrainians, the more likely Russia will use WMDs. If they do, NATO could get involved and then "who knows" where this mess leads? Pootin definitely is not a skilled chess player.