Former Lithuanian FM: Putin's 'asinine stubbornness' will destroy Russia

Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, attributing the ongoing conflict and Russia's potential downfall to the leader's "asinine stubbornness." Linkevičius posits that if any logical thinking remained in the Kremlin, efforts would be focused on finding an optimal exit from the current strategic, military, and psychological stalemate.

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If there were any remnants of logical thinking left in the Kremlin, they would currently be looking for an optimal way out of the strategic, military, and psychological stalemate.

Linkevičius suggests Putin's current objective is to freeze the front lines, negotiate some sanctions relief, and present a "victory" to the Russian public. However, he is skeptical that such a narrative will be accepted internationally. He pointed to Kazakhstan's President K. Tokayev as an example of a leader who, even while reaffirming loyalty to Russia, publicly questioned the war's causes – a move Linkevičius interprets as "friendly fire."

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Vladimir Putin would be looking for options to freeze the current 'stalemate' on the front line, negotiate sanctions relief, slightly revive the economy stuck in a swamp, and somehow 'sell' his 'victory' to his public. The world will not be fooled by such news, but he doesn't care.

The former minister believes Putin's inner circle is attempting to convey that further escalation is increasingly harmful to Russia itself. This message, however, seems to have little impact on Putin, much like the growing complaints from mothers whose children are being sent to fight. Linkevičius noted that the value placed on human life, particularly soldiers, has historically been low in Russia since World War II, but the current trend threatens established war plans and is becoming impractical.

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This is precisely what the President of Kazakhstan, K. Tokayev, dared to suggest for the first time with V. Putin present – that the war needs to be stopped.

Linkevičius highlighted the staggering daily losses, averaging 1,500, and the exhaustion of recruitment pools, including former prisoners and those evading alimony payments. Even substantial financial incentives are failing to attract recruits, as the front lines are perceived as a near-certain path to death. He concluded that without universal mobilization, which would affect all segments of society, Russia cannot achieve its military objectives. The former minister anticipates continued Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities as winter approaches, along with potential provocations against NATO to deter support for Ukraine.

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In that country, never since World War II has the life of a person, especially a soldier, been highly valued. However, the current trend now threatens to ruin normal, long-term war plans, it is becoming impractical.