Putin’s Desperation: A Cornered Leader May Expand the War
Part of composite article Russia Burns Nearly Half Its Budget on War as Revenue Drops, Anger Grows at Home View full article →
Just about everyone believes Vladimir Putin is losing in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European allies, and Western military analysts all predict a humiliating defeat for Russia’s leader. But what if they are right? History shows that a desperate Putin does not surrender—he escalates.
Ukraine’s recent gains are clear. Using advanced drones and missiles, it has pushed Russian forces back. Russia is reportedly losing 30,000 soldiers each month. Its advance has stalled, and in some areas, it has reversed. Ukrainian airstrikes deep inside Russia are bringing the war home. St Petersburg is burning. Fuel shortages cause panic. Prices and taxes are rising.
Putin’s 2022 “special military operation” was meant to be a quick victory. It has now lasted longer than World War I. But instead of seeking peace, analysts warn he may expand the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. His options range from cyberattacks to nuclear war.
The risk for the world is high. A cornered Putin is at his most dangerous.