[TrumpCard]

. . . And I wonder, in this war of choice for Russia, whether there is much incentive To challenge Putin and do something different. . . .

In a different context, but this article speaks to the same issue.  Lots of people leaving Russia to avoid the war or the resulting economic sanctions.  Many of the people leaving would have been the type you'd expect to challenge Putin (if anyone would or could).  The mass exodus may further trap Russia in Putin's grip.  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/202...r-ukraine/

[TrumpCard]

. . . And I wonder, in this war of choice for Russia, whether there is much incentive To challenge Putin and do something different. . . .

In a different context, but this article speaks to the same issue.  Lots of people leaving Russia to avoid the war or the resulting economic sanctions.  Many of the people leaving would have been the type you'd expect to challenge Putin (if anyone would or could).  The mass exodus may further trap Russia in Putin's grip.  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/202...r-ukraine/