“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.
My view is that no country should have normal relations with the rogue government of the US.
The 2020 election was stolen.
We have now stolen Russian assets so we cannot be trusted in the international financial system.
It is the US that is the declining power.
We have shipped a large portion of our manufacturing capacity overseas, and are a net importer of oil.
We are a debtor nation that has proven we are unworthy of trust.
Just ask the Afghanis.