Putin’s desperation grows as Russia loses war in Ukraine

Russia’s War in Ukraine: Putin’s Desperation and Potential Consequences

Russia’s war in Ukraine has now lasted longer than World War I, and Western analysts say Moscow is losing. Russia is reportedly losing about 30,000 soldiers each month, its advance has stalled, and in some areas it has been reversed. Ukraine has carried out successful strikes deep into Russian territory, causing fuel shortages and price hikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that the end of the war may be near.

However, three troubling questions arise. First, is Putin aware that he is losing? He is reportedly isolated from reality, relying on inner-circle apparatchiks who tell him what he wants to hear. Second, how will Putin react when he realizes that a strategic and personal defeat is looming? Instead of seeking peace, he is likely to escalate by expanding the war zone beyond Ukraine.

Western security chiefs warn of increasing Russian hybrid warfare, including sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks. Russian drones and fighter jets are increasingly violating NATO airspace, GPS interference disrupts civilian aviation, and undersea cables and pipelines have been damaged. Poland’s railway, which supplies Ukraine, has been sabotaged. Norway’s border with Russia is becoming a new front.

A third question concerns the shape of any future peace agreement. Putin may try to freeze the conflict while reorganizing, or accept a ceasefire without committing to a lasting settlement. This could lead to division in Ukrainian society and reduced Western support, leaving Ukraine more vulnerable. Experts stress that a ceasefire without ironclad security guarantees could be dangerous.

Putin’s actions, including mass civilian attacks, child abductions, and nuclear threats, indicate his instability. As long as Putin remains in power, the war may continue indefinitely. The Russian people have a responsibility to remove him to achieve peace.