A forever war, more repression, Putin for life? Russia's bleak post-election outlook
Putin's war in Ukraine is considered his bloodiest gamble, and he seeks to link Russia's future to the outcome.
Despite facing opposition and potential loss, Putin is expected to claim a mandate in the upcoming elections through manipulation and propaganda. [ more ]
Putin has maintained power in Russia through multiple controversial electoral wins, with the support of a cult of personality and control tactics like facial recognition and phone data tracking.
Protests in 2011 against Putin's perceived rigged elections led to the emergence of Alexey Navalny as his greatest rival, who ran an anticorruption campaign and was eventually mysteriously imprisoned and died. [ more ]
Ukraine updates: Drones hit Belgorod, Krasnodar in Russia DW 05/09/2024
The Victory Day military parade in Moscow commemorates Nazi Germany's surrender in WWII, includes soldiers who fought in Ukraine, and Putin is expected to defend the war in Ukraine. [ more ]
The Creator of The Crown Has Brought Putin to Broadway. The Result Is a Mixed Bag.
The play Patriots, focusing on Putin's rise to power and his clash with billionaire Boris Berezovsky, sheds light on Russia's past and future. [ more ]
Soiled nappies and karate: AI-rendered Putin biopic to be released
The world premiere of a biopic starring an AI-rendered Putin, aiming to provide insight into one of contemporary politics' most controversial figures. [ more ]
Worries Over Ethnic Tensions Have Kremlin Treading Carefully on Massacre
Tensions arising from a deadly terrorist attack near Moscow have led to concerns about inciting ethnic hatred and discord in Russia.
The response from Russian officials, including rappers, prosecutors, and President Putin, focuses on preventing interethnic conflicts and addressing anti-migrant rhetoric online. [ more ]
Ukraine debates mobilising more men to fight Russia after two years of war
Russia is increasing its army post-Putin's re-election, pushing Ukraine to do the same with a bill to raise half a million new soldiers.
Putin plans to mobilize more troops after re-election, impacting Ukraine's war strategy and potentially breaking Russia's hold on southern regions. [ more ]
With New Six-Year Term, Putin Cements Hold on Russian Leadership
Putin extended rule until 2030 with a heavily stage-managed election portraying overwhelming support. Russians protested by forming long lines at polls, and Ukraine tried a symbolic vote by firing drones at Moscow.
Putin won the election with 87% of the vote, plans to further cement his control of Russian politics and continue the war in Ukraine. Western governments condemned the election as undemocratic. [ more ]
Putin Breaks Silence on Navalny's Death, Calling It an Unfortunate Incident'
Putin described Navalny's death as unfortunate incident, said he was ready to release him in exchange for Russian prisoners in the West.
Putin's comments on Navalny's death were his first public mention of Navalny and indicated willingness for a prisoner exchange with conditions. [ more ]