Russia Faces First Territorial Decline Since 2023 Amid Intensifying Ukrainian Resistance

Angela Diffley welcomes Peter Zalmayev, director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, who delivers a compelling analysis of Russia’s evolving conflict with Ukraine. He dismisses claims of Russian momentum and contends that Moscow’s escalating bombardment of Kyiv signals growing pressure on President Vladimir Putin. Zalmayev argues that the Russian military campaign is increasingly “bogged down” and politically costly, with mounting casualties, shrinking territorial gains, and a visibly strained supply chain. He notes that as Moscow confronts advanced drone warfare and systematic attacks on its oil infrastructure and logistics, Putin feels compelled to showcase decisive action—spilling forceful strikes on urban centres—to reassure his “jingoistic militaristic base” that Russia remains capable of retaliation.

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