General Discussion

Yes interesting to think that Putin has identified Alaska and California as belonging to him.
Alaska of course is rich in natural resources. California has a huge prosperous economy.
Putin would love to get his hands on those two locations.

But yes, it is difficult maintaining an occupation.
China took Hong Kong, a prosperous city.
And now China is ruining Hong Kong, the Chinese imposing
draconian rule is causing foreign investors and wealthy Hong Kong residents to flee.

Both China and Russia use ham fisted iron control over their people.
And think this is a sound strategy to become a superpower.
Build up the arm's race, make everyone else devote more and more money
to their military. Bully and terrorize the world.

In the meantime both China and Russia domestic economies are tanking
and their people not happy with the government. Sinking more money into their
military than they can afford right now.