when Putin first became president, he too tried to suck up to the West. It was only after repeatedly being spurned by the West that he turned towards China.

"His successor might be incompetent or worse a sell out who gave up Russia's destiny as great power to be western lapdogs in return for economic benefits."

It is indeed hard to find a successor strong enough to take Putin's place in Russia today. But I doubt the West would give his successor economic, or other, benefits-- that it did not give Putin-- if that happened.

I hope that Putin can remain healthy enough for his post for at least another decade.