Zelensky is fortunate that Putin adheres to a rules-based system that avoids the assassination of a head of state, unlike the "law of the jungle" where intelligence agencies eliminate top leadership before an attack. Having paid a heavy price for his perceived restraint, Putin is now regretting with with treating Zelensky too leniently and thus enjoyed being sabotage of its oil pipelines, crippled infrastructure, and the loss of vast military assets.