@robmac apart from the Rubio issue, those examining the Putin issue most closely (from what I'm seeing) don't seem to be expecting him to back down.
We all want him to, and by all rights, he should. He's responsible for the damage to Russia and Ukraine. But the actual expectation seems to be that hell double down, not least of which out of self preservation.
@robmac oops -- I think you were discussing Rubio looking for an offramp :)
He's pretty craven, from what I've seen. He'll hitch his wagon to whoever he thinks will help him.