And yet I still have to believe that, deep down - even if it's a manifestation of a deranged mind, and even if I wish there were people to reason with him - deep down, I hope he's not doing all this purely out of ego, but in _some_ form of twisted "it's what is best for my people" train of thought.

I understand that's giving him a lot of credit, but, hey, it's new year's eve, right ? We already got the "tyrant being held back by actual clown" narrative this year - why not have a "tyrant gets back to his senses", for once ?

Because mad dogs don't suddenly become good dogs, especially not when they are going to be in the same environment. Mad dogs get taken out back. Obviously that leaves the question who/what will replace him, it may well be worse rather than better. But that chance is one we will have to deal with sooner or later anyway so it might as well be sooner. Putin has done enough damage for one person.