Part 11/14:
Ukraine remains a crucial indicator of Putin’s declining influence. What was once portrayed as a swift military operation has turned into a grinding war of attrition. Russian forces, once feared for their might, are exposed as inefficient, corrupt, and reliant on outdated equipment. The conflict has also cost Putin significant prestige at home; the initial narrative of swift victory has crumbled, replaced by a protracted and costly struggle that saps resources and morale.