You're telling me, if an entire nation or even half, stood up or pulled shit like the US 6th of January insurrection.

Absolutely, the amount of people in Russia could 110% overthrow Putin overnight, but the dudes got the old guard from Soviet days backing him & the trump level of "if I ignore the real shit, our presidents doing fine".

No, not at all an acceptable excuse, the people elected Putin long ago, but because they felt he was a hero, the people could remove him but don't.

Not defending Putin at all, but putting the blame solely on Putin and/or his generals is complete and utter bullshit.

People make things happen, whether it's one man at the helm or millions electing or a forced coup.