Is Putin a 'Divine Ruler' or can we hope for better

 Today I read an opinion about the rationale for why Putin should stay in power. 

Those desiring regime change in Russia should be careful what they wish for

Then I read a comment on the article that says

True, regime change directly instigated by the US has had unforeseen dramatic consequences in Iraq and Libya. Protecting a dictator such as Assad in Syria to preserve a status quo under the rationale of 'the alternative is not certain' has resulted in worth consequences. One cannot deny. Preserving the status quo is remarkably like Divine Rule. In addition, if Putin falls it would not be through direct regime change efforts by the US and the West. Remember, at the beginning of the war, Biden proposed to Zelinsky to leave. The sentence, ' I am not looking for a ride, I need weapons' pushed the West to support Ukraine. In fact, it was Ukraine's resilience and desire for freedom that pushed an unwilling EU to support Ukraine. The decision to accept the annexation of Crimea to preserve the status quo when Putin annexed it is what led to emboldening him to try and grab more territories. Actively and directly interfering to remove a dictator might be unpredictable. Supporting the status quo in preserving a dictator in power is purely wrong and to a certain extent criminal. Withholding assistance in protecting civilians is surely criminal and cannot be justified. https://www.facebook.com/Middle-East-Examiner-533390296813334

 Some time ago I posted a blog arguing that we should give Putin a way out. It is time to give Putin a way out

I still stand by it. But today Putin made the choice of going even further. Crimes have been committed and are still committed by his army. Criminal behavior is clearly a war tactic rather than the behavior of a few. We still should give him a way out because it will help preserve lives and help Ukraine to breath and rebuild. 

However, we should not act to preserve his rule by withdrawing support to those who are fighting for their freedom and lives. Preserving the status quo is not an argument to hide behind to shy away from protecting the weak and vulnerable. This is the essence of Western support to Ukraine.

It is doing the right thing. I know that principles are no longer fashionable, but principles also have the additional value of preserving our wellbeing and rights. This should count for even the most cynical of us.