Europe | Biting the bullet

Russia is not as resilient as it wants you to think

But Vladimir Putin will keep fighting, and claiming victory prematurely

Photograph: Nanna Heitmann/Magnum Photos.
|5 min read

Listen to Vladimir Putin, and one would think Russia is marching to victory in Ukraine and overcoming whatever minor economic challenges it faces, thanks to the support of its patriotic people. On November 30th state television showed Mr Putin visiting a command post wearing military fatigues, receiving reports on the latest offensive. “The Russian troops are advancing virtually everywhere,” Mr Putin told his generals. Two days later he told an investment conference that “our country and our economy are successfully tackling” any problems. Russia, he added, was ready for a war with Europe.

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