There's quite a bit of speculation there, but even if it's true (and I think the likelihood is there, although we can't know for certain), it isn't pointing to a quick resolution to the Ukrainian invasion, or less brutality.
If a Putin's yes-man takes power, the situation may not change.
I hate to see this as the 21st century legacy of Russia. There's always been a touch of plotting and violence in its rich history, yet that history has also shown self-sacrifice, strength, courage... Russia might recover its reputation, but possibly not in our lifetime. This invasion of Ukraine has made it terra non grata.
What makes soldiers commit torture, rape, murder? Is any soldier, in any regime, so infused with violent devils, or does it depend upon the regime in which he serves and under which he fights? I consider it to be not only a failure of morality in culture, but a failure in leadership and military training. Many offensive military actions are (in my opinion) intrinsically contemptible and offensive. So that when the army/airforce/navy of a regime controlled by a brutal and selfish dictator (who is connected with torture, interrogation, poisoning and merciless crushing of dissent) is told to invade another country, it is almost inevitable that something of that same brutal mindset has trickled down through the ranks, and atrocities will be committed.
Even if Putin spends the rest of his life in a sanatorium, and is stripped of power, and reviled by his own people, it won't make up for the suffering of the innocent in Ukraine and it won't restore limbs to those who have had them amputated in defending their country.
