Putin's Strategic Patience

Vladimir Putin's long tenure as president of Russia has allowed him to adopt a strategy of patience, waiting for moments of weakness in his adversaries. Recent political tensions, including significant disagreements between U.S. leadership and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have provided Putin with the opportunities he has been looking for. As the U.S. pauses military aid to Ukraine amidst these tensions, the Kremlin perceives this as a moment of disarray among Western allies, strengthening Putin's position. The situation reflects a broader strategic advantage for Russia, as it manages to affect the West's unity without overt aggression.