A sharp struggle for influence over President Vladimir Putin is escalating among Russian elites. Two main factions—the FSB security bloc and political technologists under Kiriyenko—are at odds over how to approach the upcoming Russian parliamentary elections: tightening repression or creating an illusion of parliamentary pluralism.
Additionally, Russia is reinforcing its air defense system around Moscow. Ukrainian military, on instruction from President Zelensky, are tracking these deployments, opening new opportunities for Ukraine to use its long-range capabilities as Russian regions are left more vulnerable.
This situation coincides with a fall in oil prices to a two-week low, decreasing Russia’s revenues. Negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal, as reported by the Washington Post, have reached the closest point since the start of the war, though no agreement has been finalized yet.
The Washington Post also reports increased infighting within Russian elites and a drop in Putin’s ratings, likening the situation to 1996. Ongoing discussions on Russia’s future scenarios have triggered internal conflicts among oligarchs, with some willing to cooperate with Ukraine or rival groups for personal gain.
China and Russian officials have made statements about a possible ceasefire, but no real support from Russia has materialized. Ukraine, meanwhile, is taking steps to strengthen its security and influence unfolding events. The humanitarian focus of the video is a fundraising effort for ground drones to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from combat zones.
