Pressure Mounts On Putin As Ukraine Strikes Deep Into Russia

MSN

Vladimir Putin is facing mounting pressure as Ukraine's long-range drone and missile campaign continues to hit deep inside Russia, disrupting fuel supplies, damaging oil refineries and forcing repeated airport closures. The Kremlin has admitted the attacks are creating serious problems, with Putin himself acknowledging Russia is going through a "difficult period" while urging a return to peace negotiations.

Public Frustration

The growing disruption comes as public frustration inside Russia appears to be rising. Polling shows confidence in Putin has fallen to its lowest level since the full-scale invasion began, while queues have formed at petrol stations amid fears of fuel shortages. Ukrainian strikes have also intensified across occupied Crimea, targeting military infrastructure and transport links that are vital to Russia's war effort.

Western support for Ukraine remains strong

Despite presenting a united front in public, the Kremlin has increasingly complained that Western support for Ukraine remains strong and that peace talks have stalled. With military logistics under pressure, economic strains growing and public confidence slipping, analysts believe Moscow is facing one of its most difficult periods since launching the invasion more than four years ago.

SOURCE

Calls for Russia to consider using tactical nuclear weapons are reportedly growing among hardliners as Ukraine intensifies long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory and occupied Crimea, raising fresh concerns over the risk of escalation.

While analysts stress there is no indication that Moscow is preparing an imminent nuclear strike, the increasingly hawkish rhetoric reflects mounting pressure on the Kremlin as the war enters a more dangerous phase.

Hardliners Turn Up the Heat

According to reports citing sources close to the Kremlin, support is growing among some Russian insiders for the possible use of battlefield nuclear weapons if military setbacks continue.

The debate has also spilled into public view. Pro-Kremlin military commentators have called for the deployment of low-yield nuclear weapons against Ukrainian forces, while some nationalist figures have advocated even more aggressive responses against countries supporting Kyiv.

Crimea Remains the Flashpoint

Ukraine's expanding drone campaign has placed growing strain on Russian logistics, fuel supplies and military infrastructure, with occupied Crimea emerging as a key target.

Repeated attacks have disrupted supply routes and forced Russian authorities to declare emergency measures in parts of the peninsula. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, remains central to President Vladimir Putin's strategic and political ambitions.

Experts Urge Caution Over Escalation

Russia's nuclear doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to what it defines as an existential threat, though analysts disagree over whether current battlefield developments meet that threshold.

Several experts argue Ukraine is not close to retaking Crimea despite its growing ability to strike military targets there. They also note that any preparations for a nuclear launch would likely be detected well in advance, reducing the risk of a surprise attack.

Danger Lies in Miscalculation

Analysts warn that the greatest danger may not be a deliberate decision to use nuclear weapons but an uncontrolled spiral of escalation triggered by a major incident.

A strike causing heavy civilian casualties inside Russia, or a direct confrontation involving NATO, could rapidly intensify tensions. Others believe the Kremlin is more likely to escalate through conventional means, including wider mobilisation or intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, rather than crossing the nuclear threshold.

Even so, the increasingly aggressive rhetoric highlights the growing volatility surrounding a conflict that continues to expand beyond the battlefield.

Cornered Putin is under pressure to use tactical nuclear weapons