Why Ukraine's biggest attacks could make Putin even more dangerous: The 'drowning man' warning
Strains on the Russian economy could leave Putin behaving like a "drowning man" — a leader who becomes more dangerous as his position weakens (Photo
Strains on the Russian economy could leave Putin behaving like a "drowning man" — a leader who becomes more dangerous as his position weakens (Photo credit: AP) Ukraine is raising the cost of war — but Russia remains Europe's biggest security challenge Ukraine has dramatically expanded its long-range strikes inside Russia, targeting military-industrial facilities in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says is a campaign to force Moscow to end the war. Yet while Kyiv's growing ability to hit deep inside Russian territory is reshaping the battlefield, analysts warn that the broader strategic picture may still favour Vladimir Putin, particularly when it comes to Europe's long-term security.Ukraine on Saturday claimed responsibility for a strike on the Titan-Barrikady industrial complex in Volgograd, a key defence facility that manufactures equipment for Russia's Iskander missile system. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo missiles hit the site, describing it as a major producer of artillery systems and specialised military equipment.Volgograd governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed an attack on an industrial enterprise in the Krasnooktyabrsky district, saying 10 people were injured and production facilities sustained damage, though he did not identify the company.The strike followed what Moscow described as one of Ukraine's largest drone assaults since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago.Russia's defence ministry said air defences intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones over a dozen regions, occupied Crimea and surrounding waters.
Zelenskyy has also ordered what he called a "40-day influence operation", signalling a sustained campaign of deep strikes designed to increase pressure on the Kremlin.However, Russia continued its own attacks. Overnight, a Russian drone strike killed a 66-year-old man in Ukraine's Sumy region after hitting a private home, according to regional authorities.Ukraine's strategy is becoming increasingly clear: damage Russia's defence industry, reduce its oil revenues and bring the consequences of war closer to ordinary Russians. Recent attacks have increasingly focused on military factories, missile production facilities and energy infrastructure hundreds of kilometres from the front line.Some observers believe the campaign is beginning to have an effect. In a recent Foreign Policy analysis, historian Peter Frankopan argued that Ukraine's expanding drone operations are inflicting military, economic and psychological pressure on Russia. He wrote that repeated attacks on energy infrastructure, mounting casualties and growing strains on the Russian economy could leave Putin behaving like a "drowning man" — a leader who becomes more dangerous as his position weakens.
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