A few months back I wrote a note on Putin's megalomania. In short: it's a megalomania of care! The wounds of the ruler become identical with the wounds of his time. And because he already went through his wounds and survived he is now the most apt (in his opinion) to see and heal the wounds of his time. In fact, that he and his nation are brought together in these times via the corresponding wounds, that is where "fate" comes into play and makes his decisions independent of his personality and morals. And this is the door sill to step over into totalitarian slaughter regardless of the sacrifices and costs. My impression is that the same applies to the populace who brings him to power as well.

https://simsa01.wordpress.com/2024/03/16/megalomania/