Vladimir Putin is increasingly fearful of lethal Ukrainian drone strikes and is moving to eliminate political rivals as discontent over his ruinous war continues to mount. The Russian autocrat is tightening his iron grip on power while contending with rising public anger over economic chaos, fuel shortages, and deep strikes penetrating Russian territory.
Heightened Security Measures
Reportedly anxious about his personal safety, the Kremlin leader has allegedly begun shunning visits to regions susceptible to Kyiv's deadly drone attacks. During a recent visit to Kazan, whole streets were closed off, e-scooters were banned, and internet access was severed to protect the embattled president.
On a separate occasion in Siberia, fuel-starved residents were offered cut-price petrol exclusively for the duration of his visit, only to watch prices soar the moment he left.
Crackdown on Dissent
Back home, the Kremlin is carrying out a ruthless crackdown on any voices of dissent. At least 23 politicians have been barred from standing in upcoming parliamentary elections, with a number of individuals jailed for allegedly displaying "extremist" symbols, including references to murdered opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Even longstanding "systemic opposition" figures are fleeing to protect themselves. Boris Nadezhdin, a seasoned politician previously tolerated by the regime, has left Russia after receiving threats to his safety. Yabloko, the sole party actively standing against the war, now faces an outright ban as the Kremlin desperately tries to stop voters from channelling their fury through the ballot box.
Expert Analysis
Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said: "Now, in the fifth year of war, there's no sense coming from the Kremlin that they are relaxed or confident in their control of public opinion."
"The fear of some challenge from below is deep enough that there is a kind of security-minded reflex twitching ever more forcefully."
Loyalists' Displays of Allegiance
Despite widespread public fury, Kremlin loyalists have stepped up their displays of allegiance. State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin led deputies in repeatedly chanting "Russia! Putin! Victory!" five times, subsequently being awarded a medal for "valiant labor" by the dictator himself.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ramped up the rhetoric still further, announcing on state television that Putin's rise to power proved Russia was "marked by God."
Growing Unease
Yet beneath the propaganda spectacle, sources suggest a rattled Putin is bestowing sweeping powers upon the FSB security service to crush dissent. The regime's unease is growing as Ukraine brings the conflict directly to Moscow's doorstep.
A recent mysterious restaurant explosion on Kudrinskaya Square targeted senior commander Aleksandr Chayko, claiming five lives, while a car bomb left a prominent Russian drone manufacturer fighting for his life. Adding to these difficulties, Ukrainian strikes have wreaked havoc on retail giant Wildberries, wiping out a quarter of its warehouse capacity and causing billions in losses.
As public backing for Putin continues to wane and condemnation grows, the beleaguered autocrat finds himself ever more isolated.
