Putin, Trump Stay Trapped in 2 Wars as 1.2 Million Russian Casualties Mount

2 articles · Updated · The American Prospect · Jun 11

Russia has made virtually no meaningful advances in Ukraine for nearly a year, while Trump is portrayed as unable to end the U.S. war with Iran.
The report argues both conflicts stem from autocratic decision-making: leaders launched wars of choice, faced little internal dissent and were reinforced by aides unwilling to challenge flawed assumptions.
1.2 million Russian soldiers have been killed, wounded or gone missing since the invasion began, according to a CSIS estimate cited in the piece; U.S. fatalities in the Iran war stand at 13 so far, the Pentagon says.
The wars' effects extend beyond the battlefield: Israel is still striking Lebanon, Iran continues blocking the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. consumers are facing years-high inflation tied to rising oil and gas prices.
The broader claim is that weak checks on executive power let Putin and Trump prolong conflicts that damage their countries even as neither leader can secure a clear exit.