Happy New Year, dear viewers. Recently, the Kremlin leadership has repeatedly found itself falling for its own deception. One of the most recent incidents involves Denis Kapustin, leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, who turned out to be alive despite Russian reports of his death. Ukrainian intelligence carried out an operation in which the Russian FSB ended up empty-handed after offering $500,000 for Kapustin’s elimination; instead, Ukrainian services benefited from the situation.
Another notable failure for Russia is the ongoing situation in Kupiansk. While Kremlin propaganda has repeatedly claimed to have taken the city, Ukrainian units, including the National Guard, conducted a successful operation that led to parts of Russian forces being surrounded. Despite bold propaganda, Russian command lacks effective control over the frontlines.
There have also been information attacks about an alleged drone strike on Putin’s residence, which have not been confirmed by independent sources. US intelligence has stated that such an attack never occurred.
It is noteworthy that Russia rejected an opportunity in summer to end the war on terms favorable to itself, overestimating its capabilities. Now, these miscalculations are increasingly evident: economic issues, Ukrainian defense successes, and botched operations are weakening Moscow’s position.
These repeated military and propaganda blunders by the Kremlin are fueling internal crisis and could trigger significant future changes in Russia.
