Liam Randall

Vladimir Putin is portrayed as increasingly fearful and politically vulnerable as Ukrainian drone strikes reach deeper into Russia and public anger grows over economic disruption, fuel shortages and the war. Security measures around his visits have intensified, while the Kremlin has barred politicians from elections, jailed people over alleged extremist symbols and expanded the FSB’s role in suppressing dissent. Opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin has left Russia after threats, and the Yabloko party faces a possible ban. Despite the repression, Kremlin loyalists continue public displays of allegiance, while attacks and explosions targeting Russian infrastructure and personnel add to pressure on the regime.