It seems like destroying Russia was a really ambitious goal. I doubt the empire managers of the US sincerely thought that would happen.

But by instigating a proxy war with Ukrainian bodies they were able to increase domination over their European vassal states, boost the profits of weapon manufacturers, and establish new narrative control mechanisms on the American populace. These were the actual short-sided victories that the US were aiming for, even though in the long-term this will contribute further to the downfall of the empire. But, you know, it's all about those marginal gainz baby.