I don’t see a good outcome. Putin took personal control of the operation which places his prestige on the line. Russian spokesmen have been saying publicly that Sashkavilli had to go since the first day so it is not unreasonable to assume that was Putin’s victory flag.

From what I’ve read the Russian troops are feeling pretty good about themselves. It would not go well with them or with the Russian military leadership when (if) they are told they have to back down from the Americans and that they will not be dancing in the streets of Tiblisi.

There is still plenty of opportunity for miscalculation.