In Russia, a Formula for 'Defeat Without Defeat' is Sought; Putin Remains Silent

As Ukrainian drones increasingly pierce Russian airspace, reaching as far as Moscow and striking critical infrastructure, a palpable unease is settling within the Kremlin's inner circles. The question, once unthinkable, is now being whispered: how can Russia extricate itself from this costly conflict without the ultimate indignity of admitting defeat? The recent barrage of over 500 drones targeting Moscow and its surrounding regions, resulting in casualties, represents a stark escalation that cannot be ignored.

These attacks are not merely isolated incidents; they are a clear demonstration of Ukraine's burgeoning military capabilities. Beyond the capital, strikes on oil refineries and terminals hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers from the front lines underscore the vulnerability of Russia's strategic assets. Western media reports highlight Ukraine's development of long-range cruise missiles, potentially outperforming American Tomahawks at a fraction of the cost, a development that Russian Senator Dmitry Rogozin acknowledges will lead to constant probing for weaknesses in Russian defenses.

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Things are approaching their end.

Despite this mounting pressure, the official reaction from Moscow remains conspicuously muted. Following a scaled-back May 9th Victory Day parade, President Putin himself offered a cryptic remark to journalists, suggesting the war was 'approaching its end' but that 'a lot of preparatory work' remained. This ambiguity fuels speculation: is this a prelude to negotiations, or a pause before a renewed offensive? As Winston Churchill once famously described Russia as 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,' the current situation offers little clarity, leaving many analysts questioning Russia's true national interest in continuing a war that appears increasingly unwinnable.

From our perspective at Adevărul, this situation is fraught with peril. The lack of clear communication from the Kremlin, coupled with the undeniable military pressure from Ukraine, creates an environment of uncertainty. The narrative within Russia seems to be shifting, grappling with the implications of a prolonged conflict and the potential for a 'defeat without defeat.' The leadership's silence on these critical issues only deepens the enigma, leaving the Russian populace and the international community in suspense.

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Their number will grow, and tactics and routes will constantly change.