Sorry, I don't get what you're trying to say. Other than the 'may well be' part.It may well be. His successor can be worse than he is. But that has nothing to do with popular's opinion. A new leader will be determined in the result of the struggle inside elites.
Are you suggesting that the oligarchs will take precedence over the Russian people's resolve?
If so, you would need to consider the futures of the oligarchs.