Russia may take radical actions to increase its credibility

Russia may take radical steps to restore Putin's authority - The Washington Post

Russia may do «something terrible» to artificially boost its international credibility Vladimir Putin, which is rapidly falling both inside and outside the country. This was written by The Washington Post with reference to Western analysts and diplomatic sources.

According to the publication, the Russian dictator's position is weakening not only in the eyes of Moscow's allies, but also in the perception of the US president Donald Trump, and among the military and political elite of the Russian Federation itself.

Signs of loss of influence

The Washington Post points out that Putin avoids making harsh and loud statements in an attempt to avoid showing weakness in his relations with Trump. At the same time, recent events, such as the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker and the US public refutation of the Kremlin's statements, indicate a change in Washington's attitude towards Moscow.

According to WP, the United States is less and less perceiving Russia as a strong and equal geopolitical player.

Internal pressure in Russia

The weakening of the Kremlin's international position coincides with the growth of domestic discontent in Russia over the war against Ukraine and the serious economic consequences of sanctions. The long-standing myth of the Russian army's «invincibility» is also being destroyed.

Analysts note that Putin's lies are becoming less and less believed even in Russia itself, and radical circles in the Kremlin are demanding decisive and demonstrative actions to restore the «great power» image.

Context.

The Washington Post warns that it is the combination of external isolation, internal pressure and Putin's declining personal authority that creates the risk of abrupt and dangerous steps by Moscow. Such actions could be aimed not only at a domestic audience, but also at demonstrating strength in the international arena.