Frontline: The War in Ukraine and Global Security Putin’s Kremlin tearing itself apart | Mark Galeotti
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Oct 2, 2025 Mark Galeotti, a seasoned Russia expert and author, dives into the internal struggles within Putin's Kremlin. He discusses Igor Girkin's critical remarks about military mismanagement and their implications for the regime's stability. Galeotti outlines how Girkin's critiques resonate with Russian nationalists. He also touches on Ukraine's strategic strikes impacting Russian fuel supplies and the challenges of Western intelligence support. Lastly, Galeotti highlights the necessity for Ukraine to keep Europe and the US engaged amid ongoing conflicts.
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Denial At The Top Risks Kremlin Cohesion
- Igor Girkin argues the Kremlin never admits high-level mistakes and treats errors as triumphs or unavoidable mishaps.
- Mark Galeotti warns that this denialism resonates with front-line generals and threatens Kremlin cohesion.
Shadow Fleet Is Market-Driven, Not Stealthy
- The 'shadow fleet' mainly reflects market demand for cheap Russian oil, not a magical stealth armada.
- Galeotti warns the fleet's dubious registration and insurance increase environmental and legal risks.
Putin's Blunders, Not Grand Strategy
- Putin's decisions often stem from misreading Ukraine and ignoring military counsel, producing avoidable blunders.
- Galeotti suggests focusing on Putin's blind spots and mistakes to predict future actions, not mythic strategic genius.
