Alone in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin seethes with resentment and anger. He is lonely, trapped and isolated. Now, the tensions have reached a boiling point. 

Some in the West are openly asking: could Putin be assassinated by his advisers? The Russian leader has humiliated many of his inner circle, points out journalist Nigel Jones. His actions have hurt them economically. 

Beyond the walls of the Kremlin, the crisis in Russia is growing. Both the USA and UK have banned Russian oil. One rouble is now worth less than an American penny. 

Young, middle class Russians are used to travelling and shopping. Now, as international companies boycott Russia, they can no longer watch films on Netflix, fly to London on holiday or even eat a burger at McDonalds. 

Some are becoming angry. Every day, more people protest in Moscow. In response, Putin has cracked down on free speech. Many are wondering how much longer the situation can continue. Will Russia really survive? 

But others say Russia will not collapse any time soon. In comparison to Russia's population, the number of protesters is very small. 

Economic sanctions are hurting ordinary people. But Russians are used to hardship. "Yes, some Russians may blame Putin," warns journalist Martin Wolf. "But a huge number might blame the West, instead." 

Russia is a vast landmass, with its own water, wheat, oil and gas. Its people can live without McDonalds. 

And Putin's 24/7 security team provides excellent protection. The Russian leader is a "clever" man, says the broadcaster Andrew Marr. He could not have survived for 22 years without a strategy. 

The collapse of Russia would directly impact the outcome of the war in Ukraine. But Russia is a huge global power. Any collapse would affect the rest of the world too. 

Yes: Its leader is incoherent and alone, outmanoeuvred by an unexpectedly strong response from the West. Its economy is in free fall. Putin's war in Ukraine was a major mistake for himself and for Russia. 

No: Russia is a global power, with its own plentiful resources. Many of its people still faithfully support Putin. The war will not change their minds, and Russia will not be undone by sanctions alone. 

Or... Russia may not be imminently close to collapse, but much of the progress it has made is being reversed. Putin's legacy of stability and prosperity is in doubt. Russians may not tolerate it forever.