Putin resigned from the KGB in 1991 - he headed for politics
what has been his plan? --- who knows - the west surely doesn't know - he's had 30 years so far to move to the top, to make changes ----------- he's now 70 (soon) -----------
he'll probably want to bring whatever stage he thinks he's brought Russia to - to a conclusion before he dies.
he's been pretty much rock solid as leader
compare the USA - last year - they had Donald Trump