The political risks are rising for Vladimir Putin as the Ukrainian military begins its much-awaited assault to dislodge Russia from territory it illegally seized last year, with the Russian president acknowledging Kyiv’s “offensive potential.”
into western Russian regions bordering Ukraine are raising questions over whether Putin can control the situation, according to several members of the Russian elite, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.“This is a serious challenge for the authorities,” said one well-connected member of Russian diplomatic circles.
“This determines the main worry of the Russian leadership,” this person said. “If contemporary weapons will be supplied and the Ukrainian army will be modernized, then — even without formal membership — Ukraine in this form can represent an existential threat for Russia.”“It seems to me this is further stimulus for Russia to continue the military operation,” he added.
But others cautioned that Simonyan’s words represented no more than a fresh propaganda ploy by the Kremlin because any attempt to freeze the conflict at the current lines was only aimed at acquiring more time for the Russian army to rearm to attack again. Public tirades by Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner mercenary group and close Putin ally, against Russian army leadership for the failings of the war serve to “let off steam” and take place with Putin’s permission because the criticism is channeled through someone who presents himself as a patriot, Stanovaya said.But “at some moment,” said Sergei Markov, a Kremlin-connected political consultant, infighting among factions in the elite around Putin “could spiral out of control.
But unspoken behind that analysis, Markov said, is concern about a potential repeat of the issues that led to Russia’s chaotic retreat around Kharkiv last fall, when poor management and inadequate communications between units led to “big problems” and crumbling Russian resolve.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Putin will threaten strikes against NATO countries, Russian TV chief warnsRT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan recently predicted that the Russian leader will give NATO an 'ultimatum' over its support for Ukraine.
Consulte Mais informação »
Putin says Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus next monthRussia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus once the necessary infrastructure is ready, which is expected to be next month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
Consulte Mais informação »
Putin compared to mummy by Russian ex-commander: 'Is there Putin at all?''Where is he anyway?' asked military blogger Igor Girkin about the Russian president.
Consulte Mais informação »
Zelenskyy says 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' taking place in UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders are in a “positive” mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line. The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment a day earlier that Ukraine's counteroffensive had started — and Ukrainian forces were taking “significant losses.”
Consulte Mais informação »
Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Counteroffensive, Breaking Long-Held SilenceIn a Saturday press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelensky confirmed that a much-awaited counteroffensive is officially underway.
Consulte Mais informação »
Putin's war in Ukraine adds $1B to price tag in single dayAccording to a Ukrainian official, a major incident this week will require a costly rebuilding.
Consulte Mais informação »