Putin Faces New Elite Dissent as Ukraine Strikes Expose Cracks in 3-Year War

3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jun 19

Putin is in unusually exposed political territory as Russia’s war in Ukraine and domestic repression begin to erode his long-dominant hold on power.
Ukraine’s strikes into Russian cities have added to that pressure, publicly embarrassing the Kremlin and highlighting the war’s reach inside Russia.
Russian elites are also questioning Putin more openly, a notable shift for a system built on tight control and limited visible dissent.
The combined strain suggests the nearly 3-year war is not only a military conflict but a growing test of the durability of Putin’s authoritarian rule.

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Discontent and Control in Russia 2026: Military Setbacks, Economic Crisis, and the Rise of Digital Repression

Overview

In 2026, Russian elite and public discontent is rising due to a combination of military setbacks, severe economic strain, and a growing sense of powerlessness among both society and the elites. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on Russia, with Ukrainian attacks reaching critical infrastructure inside Russian territory. This has forced Russia to redeploy air-defense systems from remote areas, highlighting the strain on military resources. At the same time, the Kremlin is tightening its grip on information and daily life, further fueling frustration and making the environment increasingly volatile.

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