if Sun TZU's tenet is to be borne out, the only way it can happen is if the rest of the Russian hierarchy are persuaded that Putin should suddenly be diagnosed with a serious illness that has affected his judgement and decision making - that would allow him to be removed from public life while he 'recuperates', allow the 'honourable' withdrawal from Ukraine and possibly allow Russia's economy to avoid the worst of the sanctions.
All woes can then be blamed on an ailing President, allowing what remains of the Govt to keep the faith of the Russian people.
Or, someone from the FSB could just shoot him.............