I don't think there was any scenario where the invasion was a benefit to Russia. But if it had gone the way most analysts had expected, with Kyiv falling after four days, it could have been a benefit to Vladimir Putin. With the invasion having gone horribly wrong it's clear to everyone that it's in Russia's best interest to withdraw immediately. But what's in Russia's best interest isn't necessarily in Putin's personal interest. So better to keep on killing Ukrainian men, women, children by the thousands to save his own skin.
Some call Putin a "genius". I'd call him something different.
He's also sending Russian soldiers into death. Mutiny is hard and complicated, and runs a huge risk for your life and life of your family, so even those convinced they are doing the wrong stuff will have a hard time stopping themselves.
Some call Putin a "genius". I'd call him something different.