It's so interesting how low Putin's approvals are. I never would've expected that, figured he'd be president for life.. now perhaps not?
I believe that he still has that plan as his most optimal goal. Yet with the current implosion of his support, I see three ugly options.
1. The 1982 Syria option. He goes cracking down on dissidents as he cling to power, cannibalizing his possible successors in the carnage. Any survivability of the regime is quickly diminished as it is put on secret life support.
2. He smells the roses and gives in to small reforms to pacify the population. In one or two more terms, he hands power to Sergei Shoygu or whoever else can kiss his behind before he relinquishes power.
3. He manages to survive by sheer craftiness and manipulation at home and abroad. His opponents are too busy dealing with internal fascists to have the means against Russia. Regime survives without any acts of relinquishing power.
