Russia under Vladimir Putin becomes increasingly totalitarian; however, the war erodes the regime’s political and economic foundations.
The coalition of allies the Kremlin is trying to build is united solely around the idea of hostility towards the West. Belarus remains the only ally that openly supports the aggression against Ukraine. The dependence of other post-Soviet allies does not guarantee their loyalty to Moscow on key foreign policy issues.
The Kremlin sticks to its aims in Ukraine and, regardless of losses, is prepared to continue the war for the duration of this year and mobilise all the resources of the state.