It is like in the west, they cannot plan that far ahead, but we know that is not true. They at least try. Just get things wrong.

Yes, while I am not an expert in Russian politics, I have had my eye on Putin for many years, without question he has all the entire set of world leaders beat hands down.

It is funny to suggest that the west could conceive a valid replacement at all. I expect Putin himself is hopefully working on his protege.