[ilammy]

> Besides what does it even mean?

That one side believes they can win.

It’s a bit tautological. In order for you to prevail you must be stronger than your opponent in one or more critical areas. If you think you can win then you believe to know the weakness of your opponent.

Depending on your morals the causation here could easily be turned: once you see what you believe to be a weak opponent, you go for the win.

[actionfromafar]

Also, what is winning? To the Kremlin, staying in power in Russia is more important than number of square feet gained in the Ukraine.

If continuing the war means staying in power at home, then the war continues.