Analysts See Putin Losing Grip in Year 5 of War as Drone Strikes Hit Russia
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · May 14
Analysts See Putin Losing Grip in Year 5 of War as Drone Strikes Hit Russia
2 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · May 14
Russian analysts and Kremlin watchers say Putin looks less in control as the war enters its fifth year, with public pessimism deepening over battlefield setbacks, economic strain and tighter repression.
May 9 exposed that vulnerability: for the first time in two decades, Victory Day lacked hundreds of tanks and military vehicles after the Kremlin admitted it could not fully shield them from Ukrainian attack.
Ukrainian long-range drones and cruise missiles now strike deep inside Russia most weeks, damaging oil and gas sites, while Western intelligence estimates Russian casualties sometimes reach about 30,000 a month.
Domestic pressure is also rising as authorities block apps including Instagram and Telegram and impose mobile internet blackouts, disrupting businesses and fueling anger amplified by a 30 million-view post criticizing Putin.
Analysts say a coup remains unlikely, but Putin’s credibility with elites is fading; that could make him more open to a ceasefire or push him to escalate, with another brutal summer campaign still more likely than peace.
As Ukrainian drones strike deep inside Russia, can the Kremlin still protect its own territory and war machine?
With Russia building a 'digital Iron Curtain,' will this new isolation spark a popular backlash or solidify Putin's power?
May 2026 Report: Intensified Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Russian Economic Collapse, and Elite Power Struggles
Overview
In May 2026, the war in Ukraine sharply escalated as Russia launched over 1,500 drones in a few days, causing heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction across multiple regions. Major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa suffered severe infrastructure damage and electricity outages, while Ukraine responded with intensified long-range strikes inside Russia. This surge in attacks marks a clear shift toward escalation rather than negotiation, with both sides enduring significant losses. The ongoing conflict is straining Russia’s economy and fueling public discontent, raising concerns about internal stability and the future direction of the war.