[tartoran]

Yes but if the whole country goes through enough unnecesary hardship (Russians have a tough life) and his manupulative PR apparatus stops functioning he could start fearing for his life. Any of his thugs he’s surrounded by could at some point initiate a mutiny and eventually after failed attempts it could end his reign. Putin is bluffing big time too, he knows it. At the same time he achieved so much power and wealth that he may want to go for a different glory, he seems to want to revive a broken empire, broken in the sense that at some point Russia was looked up and now he’d need to coerce friends into an involuntary hug. Russia is so broken (not defending US, which is on the verge of catastastrophe too) that nobody wants to be their friend beside getting cheap gas. Cheap gas has been one thing to keep Russia from collapsing altogether though, it’s a bargaining chip but not really the best hand in the game

[andy_ppp]

If I’d have been talked to the way the spy chief was by Putin the other day I would definitely consider that my own personal safety was at risk.

[gzer0]

For reference, here is the exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucEs0nBuowE

[jacquesm]

What a farce. But one takeaway is that Putin's support in his inner circle is waning.

[tartoran]

Yes, that was a terrifying display of the fear people have of Putin. It’s a double edged sword for sure and should not be confused for love.

Let’s not talk about the perils of being surrounded by yes men.

[deutschewelle]

Seeing North Korea, I somehow doubt he will be restrained significiantly.

KJU has served as a role model for Putin and Xi....Kim Jong Il mastered brinksmanship with US.

Push too much you risk getting spanked. Push the right amount...you just might win protection racket from states

When democracies have too much to lose they will surely deal....is what Putin believes and he isn't wrong.

The West was more than happy to do business with the CCP knowing its risks.