[Blackshep]

Putin has a close circle of oligarch's and military officer's that are the bedrock of his support and are essential for him to remain in power even though he's put much effort into the illusion of "a man alone". Right now it's anyone's guess to what extent he's taking advise but if he isolates himself and attempt's to further escalate it will create an unstable and unpredictable situation that nobody other then Putin is prepared to risk.