Is Putin Losing The War In Ukraine?

Although not exactly high level, but who would be in a dictatorship, on September 8, local policymakers in St. Petersburg and Moscow released the statement “We ask that you release yourself from the post [of president] as a result of the fact that your views and your model of rule are hopelessly out of date and impede the development of Russia and its human potential.” A public rebuke for sure, but, to a man who chooses death over discussion, hardly a winning strategy, but one they are willing to take.

Their lack of political power and influence might be easily dismissed, but the fact the lower rungs of the Russian ladder are complaining about the higher steps really shows a shift in public opinion and a new bravado in political discord in a country dominated by state TV. Even the most popular, state-controlled, Putin-controlled stations are starting to admit they’re losing in Ukraine. Suddenly, the once state compliant viewer is getting a small taste of what is being done in their name as Russians.