There are thousands of people on both sides involved, and almost all of them are well aware the preferred outcome will be that a certain 69 year old dictator is

There are thousands of people on both sides involved, and almost all of them are well aware the preferred outcome will be that a certain 69 year old dictator is removed from power. The game is still playing itself out is all. In Russia, the only really interesting part is how and when and when to switch sides. Defect too soon you get shot. Defect too late you get shot. The herd is almost frantic with the desire to stampede, but nobody wants to be the first one or the last one.