> Why wouldn't they? Assuming your question is not rhetorical, some Russians may not want an end of Putin's regime because they perceive that something worse t

> Why wouldn't they? Assuming your question is not rhetorical, some Russians may not want an end of Putin's regime because they perceive that something worse than Putin is possible, and even likely. A lot of Russians experienced the lawlessness of the 90's, and Putin was perceived as the one who brought a semblance of order and stability. If he is eliminated, or simply dies of natural causes (he's rumored to have cancer), then who will follow him? Is there any guarantee that the new regime is going to be better? There were plenty of bad strongmen around the world who were toppled, only to be replaced by even worse guys. And just to be clear, I'm 100% against Putin. I read every single day about the war in Ukraine, and hope every day that Ukraine will win. I'm quite optimistic that the spring counteroffensive will be a great success (knock on wood). That said, I just answered your question. I can see why some Russians will be ok with Putin staying in power.