It means you shouldn't invade your neighbours and conscript your young people or you will ruin your economy.
The Russian economy is absolutely ruined. The US economy is stronger than ever. For the average peasant, life is unbearably expensive in both.
But it means exactly the opposite. For some reason everybody thinks that for people (or even for only one man) who make decisions, Russian economy, talented people, and datacenters has great value or something.
But the only thing that matters is to remain in power. And invading your neighbors country have get those people exactly that.
it worked well for USA and many other nations tho
To be fair the nerds aren't sent to the front lines they get to work in a drone unit.
This war won't be over until the Russian army starts conscription in Moscow. The Czar will happily empty out the villages in Siberia and the Caucasus.