News on Russian President Vladimir Putin covering foreign policy, domestic politics, international relations, and Russia's global activities.
Ilya Remeslo, a pro-Kremlin blogger and informant, published a post calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal and demanding his resignation and trial. He confirmed he wrote it himself and gave interviews, but was hospitalized in a psychiatric clinic, which he says was punishment for his criticism.
The author contends that Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine is driven by a need for respect and power, not by rational cost-benefit calculations. She argues that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory and economic pressures are unlikely to force peace, as Putin prioritizes appearing strong over ending the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval rating fell five percentage points to 66 percent in a week, the steepest weekly decline since the start of the war in Ukraine, per a FOM poll. VTsIOM recorded a smaller drop to 65.1 percent. The decline comes amid a fuel crisis and ongoing internet restrictions.
This commentary argues that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are both trapped in bubbles of misinformation, ignoring declining public support and pursuing power at the expense of their countries. It draws on an interview with economist Konstantin Sonin to highlight parallels between their leadership styles and the dangers of their delusions.
Six yachts linked to Russian billionaires, including Roman Abramovich and Oleg Deripaska, plus a yacht linked to Vladimir Putin, have gathered off Turkey's coast near Bodrum. The 71-meter Victoria, reportedly used by Putin, arrived earlier.
Owen Matthews argues that Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have caused fuel shortages and economic strain, pushing the Russian regime toward an internal split. He contends that a cornered Putin poses greater danger, as the Kremlin struggles to balance military needs with social stability.