26 articles
Journalist Luke Harding shares his insights on Russia's war in Ukraine, drawing from his personal experiences with the FSB in Moscow. He warns that Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, potentially threatening European stability and the future of democracy.
Russia's economy is showing significant signs of fragmentation due to dwindling energy revenues and the high costs of sanctions evasion. China has emerged as the primary beneficiary, dictating terms and exploiting Russia's financial weakness. The situation is creating internal instability and diminishing Moscow's authority.
Despite a carefully cultivated image of invincibility, Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly plagued by fears, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who asserts Putin fears Donald Trump's leverage and does not fear Europe. Exiled Russian opposition figures detail Putin's anxieties about responsibility, death, and social unrest, while Russia's growing dependence on China further exposes the fragility of his power. This comprehensive article unmasks the complex reality behind the Kremlin's façade, analyzing the internal and external pressures threatening Putin's grip on absolute control.
The Ukraine conflict is marked by Kremlin ambiguity on peace talks and covert destabilization efforts, even as Europe steps up as Kyiv's primary backer. This complex scenario is further complicated by a shadowy network of support for Russia from China, Iran, and North Korea, reshaping global security and energy markets while ordinary lives are irrevocably transformed by the ongoing war.
Russia's leadership under Vladimir Putin is increasingly isolated, operating on a foundation of suppressed truths and comforting fictions, leading to severe economic, military, and societal consequences. A culture where bad news ends careers has created an echo chamber, preventing Putin from grasping the true state of his nation and its war efforts, thereby accelerating the regime's instability and potential collapse.
Senior officials in Vladimir Putin's inner circle are already positioning themselves for a post-Putin era through secret asset movements and loyalty tests, signaling that a Kremlin succession fight has quietly begun. With Russia's economic pressures creating competition for shrinking resources, the elite are prioritizing self-preservation over regime unity.
