According to sources close to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed fears for his safety in the event of a defeat in Ukraine, stating, “I will be hanged.” Reports suggest that he believes failing to secure even minimal objectives, such as capturing the entirety of Eastern Donbas, could expose him to physical danger. After weeks of deliberation during the summer, he seems inclined to escalate the conflict.
A long-time associate of Putin noted that he might interpret the visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe as a sign of American weakness. This mirrors his thoughts from November 2021, when CIA Director Bill Burns visited Moscow to caution against invading Ukraine.
In a significant move, the dictator plans to deploy an additional 300,000 to 400,000 Russians to the front lines. This recruitment drive is likely to involve coercion through regional governments to quell any political dissent. Russian authorities have already begun testing a new recruitment system in the Penza region, located 750 kilometers southeast of Moscow.
