Putin is Fighting for His Survival, Says Estonia's Foreign Minister
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is fighting for his own survival, not just the war in Ukraine.
- Tsahkna asserts Russia is in a weaker position than before, citing battlefield losses, declining recruitment, economic strain, and internal political tensions.
- He notes that Ukraine's precision strikes are impacting Russia, making its citizens feel less secure.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently engaged in a struggle for personal survival, extending beyond the conflict in Ukraine. Tsahkna suggests that Russia finds itself in its weakest position in years, a situation exacerbated by significant losses on the battlefield.
"They are not winning anything there, they are losing a lot of people. There are about 35,000 dead and wounded every month," Tsahkna stated, highlighting the severe human cost of the war. He also pointed to a decline in recruitment levels compared to earlier stages of the conflict, indicating a strain on Russia's military manpower.
They are not winning anything there, they are losing a lot of people. There are about 35,000 dead and wounded every month.
Beyond the military front, Tsahkna emphasized the economic pressures facing Russia and growing internal political tensions. These domestic challenges, coupled with the impact of Ukraine's increasingly effective precision strikes, are creating a sense of insecurity among the Russian populace.
"The Russians no longer feel safe," Tsahkna remarked, underscoring the psychological impact of the war reaching Russian territory. The Estonian minister's assessment paints a picture of a Russia under considerable pressure, both externally and internally, as the conflict continues.
The Russians no longer feel safe.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.