Putin Demands Oligarch Cash and Digs In for Long War as Ukraine Fight Drains Russia

Putin Demands Oligarch Cash and Digs In for Long War as Ukraine Fight Drains Russia Facing mounting financial strain from its war in Ukraine, the Kremlin is turning to Russia's wealthy elite for direct funding while signaling a commitment to a prolonged conflict, regardless of diplomatic outreach. President Vladimir Putin has personally asked the country's oligarchs for donations to support the military budget, highlighting the growing pressure on state finances [112938]. This move comes as Russia's defense spending surged by 42% last year, and the government has raised taxes to stabilize the economy [112938]. The budget deficit has widened sharply, partly due to U.S. sanctions forcing Russia to sell oil at large discounts [112938]. Analysts observing the situation report a firm, unchanged stance from the Russian leadership, suggesting a strategy geared toward a long war despite the economic difficulties [17910]. An expert on U.S.-Europe relations stated that Russia, believing it holds a strong battlefield position, feels no urgency to negotiate a peace deal [17045]. This determination was underscored by Putin himself, who declared that Moscow's goals in Ukraine "will be met," whether through diplomacy or continued military force [28790]. He framed negotiations not as a path to compromise, but as a potential tool to secure the same objectives sought on the battlefield [28790]. Parallel to these domestic financial and strategic shifts, Russia is pursuing a two-track diplomatic strategy. To European leaders, Russian officials deliver aggressive messages blaming the West for the conflict [82150]. Simultaneously, they are sending a different signal to Washington, asking for sanctions to be lifted and seeking to calculate losses from halted trade [82150]. Experts say this approach aims to create division between allied nations [82150]. U.S. intelligence assessments support the view of a prolonged conflict, reporting that Putin's ultimate aim extends beyond Ukraine to reclaiming influence over the former Soviet sphere, making any ceasefire likely a tactical pause rather than a true peace [31282]. Putin Seeks Oligarch Donations to Fund War as Defence Budget Strains Putin Signals Long War in Ukraine Amid Economic Strain Russia Holds Advantage, In No Rush on Ukraine Deal, Expert Says Putin: Russia Will Take Ukraine by "Force or Diplomacy" Russia's Dual Strategy: Talk War with Europe, Talk Trade with America U.S. Intelligence: Putin's Goal is "Former Soviet Empire"