Putin has ensured his own downfall

Mr. Putin has sown the seeds of his own destruction by invading Ukraine, but his downfall ultimately depends on the will of the Russian people. Faced with harsh economic and diplomatic wounds, Russia will start to creak and crumble, and before long its citizens will grow weary of his sclerotic, autocratic governance. They will find ways to get their money out of the country and vote with their feet; Mr. Putin’s loyal oligarchs will falter with their assets on the line, and things will start to feel far lonelier for him.

China may provide economic assistance, but Beijing’s help won’t be cost-free and will be inadequate to fill the shortfall from cash outflows. And as Mr. Putin’s star begins to fade, the Chinese will cut their losses and distance themselves from him. Chinese state banks have already begun limiting the financing on Russian commodities.

The end date of the Putin age is still uncertain, but against the unified resistance of the free world, his hubris and disdain for the will of his people will bring him down. His position of strength will transform to a place of historical ignominy.