There is a theory that If Putin loses in Ukraine he will fall from power, and likely end up being killed. Leaders in Putin’s situations “gamble for resurrection,” which means they continue with a war, often at greater intensity and brutality, because anything other than victory would mean their own exile or death.
Now that Putin has invaded Ukraine, he is as well fighting a secret battle for his resurrection.
It reminds me of the case of Germany in the First World War where just four months into the war Kaiser Wilhelm II and his cabinet concluded that it was unwinnable. Yet, they fought on for another four years. Why? Because they knew that if they lost, they would be overthrown by a revolution.
Of course, they were right. Leaders in such unwinnable situations are very dangerous. They are the reason that World War I dragged on much longer than it should have. That’s why Putin is so dangerous.
Putin’s death spelling end to the ongoing war is not a total answer, it depends on the nature of his death and who exterminated him. The war could continue for more than one reason and the war would stop for one reason.
If Putin was killed by Ukrainian special forces, the war will continue and it means Russia to double down on its war efforts.
If Putin were killed by someone within the Russian government then it depends on who they replace him with and what their stance on Ukraine is. Also, why did they kill Putin? If it’s an opportunist they may keep the war going.
Putin has done a good job surrounding himself with spineless cowards (opportunists), who’d say about Putin’s death: “oh, I don’t think it was us, maybe the Ukrainians did it themselves.” Meanwhile they staged it. But the war would cease if Russians who’ve got balls make it happen.
He will give people reasons to happily blame Putin, and make peace. Then sanctions will be lifted, and things back to normal as by magic. If it was somebody who was pragmatic, they might want to save the Russian economy from destruction, and end a war which was pointless to begin with.
