Putin's time is running out - three scenarios for Russia revealed

Experts Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth, in a column for The Hill, outline three scenarios for Vladimir Putin amid the protracted war in Ukraine: diplomatic pressure through Trump, increased pressure on Europe, and continued offensive. The third option, involving a new wave of escalation, is considered the most dangerous. The authors also note that the Kremlin may face the need to mobilize up to 600,000 people after the State Duma elections.

Experts Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth, in a column for The Hill, describe three scenarios for Vladimir Putin amid the protracted war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for 1,659 days. The first scenario is diplomatic pressure through Washington: Putin held talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as a phone call with Trump. However, the authors consider it unlikely that Trump would agree to promote terms favorable to Russia. The second scenario is increased pressure on NATO and EU countries through hybrid operations and threats, including the deployment of a missile brigade in Belarus. The third, most dangerous scenario is a continued offensive with possible mobilization of up to 600,000 people after the State Duma elections. The authors also note that Putin may be receiving incomplete information about the situation at the front, citing Sviatohirsk as an example.