Gilbert Doctorow : What Is Putin’s Strategy?

Russian attacks on land routes suggest a strategic shift to strangulation, but permitting diplomatic visits to Kyiv contradicts this approach.

Allowing foreign leaders to visit Kyiv unharmed is a direct contradiction to a strangulation strategy and damages Russia's deterrent factor.

Ukrainian drone strikes prove they can hit targets anywhere in Russia, contradicting Western media claims that Russia is adequately defended.

Russian public acceptance of fuel shortages does not mean the economy is indifferent to the growing shock of these attacks.

Zelensky's proposal for a maritime ceasefire is economically motivated but ignores that Russia's grain blockade is a direct counter to Ukrainian energy strikes.

Recent political moves against Zelensky likely have U.S. backing, suggesting Trump is working to remove him from power. Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow may relate to Trump's opaque policies regarding Ukraine, but Russian officials have suppressed all speculation about it.

British support for Ukraine under Burnham is more ostentatious than under his predecessor, despite promises of radical change.

An analyst suggests Burnham's pro-Ukraine stance is a political necessity to avoid complicating his domestic policy agenda, not genuine enthusiasm.

Putin's current caution contradicts his own stated philosophy of preemptively striking threats, and the reasons for his hesitation remain unclear.