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> If the options are democracy and being invaded by Russia vs diplomacy and some other form of government? Sure, jettison democracy.

Other form? Like becoming a vassal state for a failing petro-autocracy a la Belarus? Why would you ever do this if you can stand your ground and fight? Being invaded isn't as bad as conceding and experiencing ethnic cleansings.

> backed by a really, really angry population.

Once someone like Putin or Hitler captures power it doesn't matter if population is angry or lukewarm. Resources will be mobilised, propaganda will be ramped up. What matters is functioning economy and industry as they are what provides means to wage war. And hopefully this war will put an end to Russia's ability to wage war for a very long time.