It seems Putin wants Democratic countries to just roll over and just allow him to annex Ukraine, and then other European countries as well.
He has made an increasing amount of threats about World War III
Putin is backed into a corner. He knows that the war in Ukraine will be endless with increased support from the West.
Ongoing economic sanctions will certainly destroy the Russian economy - even if perhaps he did pull out of Ukraine, or even if he conquered all of Ukraine.
He cant concede defeat, and his nuclear war threats are not being listened to.
Does that leave him no other option but to declare war?
Russia need to stand up to him, he is an existential threat to the world.
Another Russian Doctor Evil threatening to end the world if his demands are not met. He is holding the whole world hostage.