Let's say he see's the writing on the wall and backs out. What I can't figure out is what his next move would be then. He's certainly not gonna turn himself over for trial. I guess he could stay in Moscow and never leave, and I guess he could step down with the understanding of whoever replaces him, that part of the deal is he never gets extradited. That might work. The West certainly needs their natural resources and Europe/America would probably pinch their nose and ease up on some of the sanctions for their own benefits. That's about the best outcome I can see at this point.I have stated quite clearly a couple times that I do not think that any of the opposition signs lead to his being offed or stepping down anytime soon. So I can state that again if necessary.
But that is not to say that the opposition and lack of support are not critical factors in what he may or may not bite off. He pretty well knows by now that the Ukrainians are not welcoming him for liberation as much as he thought and promoted and he pretty well knows that this is a negative for him internationally and at home. So he is savvy enough to know that he does not want to fight a long insurgency in Ukraine. He either has to do the deed with brute force or get out with some fake victory. My point, again, is that I dont think he is going to fold or be offed or removed anytime soon but negatives and opposition are not to be dismissed. They control many of his moves to come.