Comparing Russian GDP to Italy understates Russian economic power because it is probably the most autarchic country (maybe North Korea is more autarchic, I would have said the USA too until covid happened) and is a net exporter of metals, energy, and food. If the war lasts until winter Europe will really be hurting from lack of Russian energy.
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> If the war lasts until winter Europe will really be hurting from lack of Russian energy.
Russia has already cut off most of their gas supplies with Nord Stream 1.
And so Europe has measures in place eg. storing gas, sharing agreements, increasing supply from Azerbaijan etc. They will experience some pain over winter but day by day they become more ready for it.
Energy usage increases in the winter because of heating. That will cause price increases which will put pressure on European politicians to resolve the war.
That is definitely Putin's hope. However, since he has already invaded Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 Europe recognizes that if he isn't stopped in Ukraine, Russia will never stop their expansionist dreams.
Prices will be high, just like everything else, but there is no question that Russia must be defeated in Ukraine. It's essential to European security.