[throw-the-towel]

So, what you want is essentially pushing a whole country's population around for your own amusement? Very motivating, not gonna lie!

[nradov]

Amusement has nothing to do with it. This is one method among many for pursuing national geopolitical goals. It's a shame that the Russian populace has to suffer, I bear them no ill will. But if they ever want to get out of international sanctions then they know what they need to do.

[account42]

Like it or not, the leader derives his power from the populace. An autocrat is powerless without people going along.

[wiseowise]

Buy a ticket to Ukraine right about now and ask Ukrainians how amused are they. And don’t forget to visit every country that had to take millions of refugees.