[neverminder]

> The narrative that Putin is mad is ridiculous

It may not be so ridiculous. If you watch his earlier public appearances - he's always a stone cold sociopath in control. In his latest appearances he's increasingly erratic and struggles to keep his cool. Remember he's 70 years old now which is well into the risk zone for serious health problems. Alzheimers? Terminal cancer? What would you do in his place if you were told that? What if he wants to go out with a bang? He couldn't just straight out declare war on NATO, what if by going after Ukraine he actually hopes for escalation?

[pjerem]

Sorry if my comment looks like I've seen too much movies, but even if Putin, as a human, have nothing to lose, everyone else in Russia have a lot to lose. I know there isn't lot of counter-powers but couldn't he be stopped by some Russia's agency where a lot of people have a lot to lose ? I know he have a great control over most state employed people including KGB, but doesn't this control starts to fail apart when everyone is afraid about the country being nuked ?

Bonus : it feels like a true opportunity for someone powerful enough to steal the power.