Putin going away solves nothing.
Russia remains a powerful country with nationalistic ambitions.
Blaming Putin the man just shows an ignorance of the real world out there.
His successor may be far more fanatical and dangerous.
Exactly this. And Putin can also “step down” and retain power behind the scenes. The Russians play long term strategy. We play short term.
“His successor may be far more fanatical and dangerous.”
There is no way to know that.
My “proposal” is simple. No normal relations with Russia until Little Pukin is gone. Regime Change. Doesn’t meet war. Means maintain sanctions, pressure for years until Little Pukin’s heart gives out and he goes to hell.
The next Russian leader can change his nation’s policies and sanctions be reduced over time or sanctions stay in place if next leader is “more fanatical and dangerous”.
Russia is a declining power. We need to manage that decline. Economically it will decline. Its real disposable income is lower today than 2014 (Crimea). Population of the country is declining as well.