“Giant geopolitical mistake”: Tensions rise in the Kremlin over war against Ukraine

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who had hoped to quickly take over Ukraine by 2022, has faced a protracted war and growing internal tensions within Russia. British historian Robert Service called Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine a “giant geopolitical mistake” by the Kremlin.

This is reported by The Telegraph .

In his column, Robert Service noted that the Russian government traditionally links its legitimacy to military victories. He recalled that the defeat of the Russian Empire in the war with Japan in 1905 and the failures during World War I were factors in the fall of the monarchy.

According to the historian, Putin, when launching the full-scale invasion, was counting on a quick end to the war. The author claims that some Russian tankers were carrying their dress uniforms with them for a possible parade in Kyiv.

The service emphasized that Ukraine has proven to be a formidable adversary, and the war has dealt a significant blow to the Russian economy. It also drew attention to the heavy losses suffered by the Russian army and the law on year-round conscription signed by Putin.

The columnist noted that this year’s May 9 parade on Red Square was held without tanks and modern equipment due to fears of attacks by Ukrainian drones.

The historian believes that Putin still has several “strong cards.” One of them, he called US President Donald Trump, who, according to the author, has made a number of concessions to the Russian leadership.

At the same time, Servis reported growing tensions within the Kremlin. According to him, the Russian authorities have tightened control over the information space, restricted the work of the Telegram messenger, and are promoting the Russian service Max.

“The war against Ukraine was his ‘giant geopolitical mistake,’” Robert Service noted.

The historian also expressed the opinion that even if the fighting ends on the Kremlin’s terms, Russia will not be able to regain its former geopolitical influence.

It was previously reported that dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin is growing in Russian government and business circles due to the protracted war against Ukraine, economic problems, and Internet restrictions. Some elites consider the Kremlin’s decisions “self-destructive” and express concern about the situation in the country.

By the way, there are more and more signs in Russia that serious conflicts are beginning within the government . One of the former Kremlin associates, Ilya Remeslo, has openly spoken out against Vladimir Putin and stated that he is not going to remain silent.

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