In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 203: Can Putin Afford To End The War?
17 snips
Jun 8, 2025 Putin's inability to end the war raises intriguing questions. The conflict serves as a tool for political power and affects Russian public sentiment towards the West. Economic factors weigh heavily, with military spending and veteran reintegration growing more pressing. There are tensions as returning soldiers face inadequate support, leading to frustration with leadership. Ultimately, despite the challenges, Putin may see ending the war as riskier than perpetuating it, complicating any prospects for peace.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sanctioned Superyacht's Costly Impact
- Russian oligarch Andrei Melnychenko's $600 million superyacht was impounded due to EU sanctions.
- Italy incurs roughly 9 million euros annually to maintain the yacht and its crew, highlighting sanction costs.
Ukraine's Drone Operation Impact
- Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb audaciously used hidden drones to damage a significant portion of Russia's strategic bomber fleet.
- This asymmetric tactic shows Ukraine's ability to strike deep and upset Russian military norms.
Putin's Pragmatic Motivation
- Putin is not a zealot but a self-interested dictator motivated by personal survival and prosperity.
- This suggests his decisions about the war are pragmatic, not ideological.
