🕒 Created

Vladimir Putin avoids Moscow as Ukrainian drone strikes intensify across Russia

Vladimir Putin is increasingly restricting his movements and avoiding the Russian capital to escape the escalating threat of Ukrainian drone attacks. Reports indicate that the Russian leader has shifted his public itinerary toward Siberia and the Russian Far East, where the risk of drone strikes is significantly lower. To maintain a sense of normalcy, the Kremlin frequently employs decoy planes and fake motorcades to conceal his actual whereabouts, sometimes delaying the presentation of official meetings by up to two months. The drone campaign has significantly impacted Russia's economic infrastructure, notably hitting the online retailer Wildberries and several large oil refineries. While the Russian Defense Ministry reported downing 822 Ukrainian drones, the war of attrition continues to take a heavy toll on both sides. Western estimates suggest half a million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in Ukraine, with civilian casualties on both sides rising. Despite internal criticisms from economists and influencers, Vladimir Putin remains committed to the war effort, vowing to lead Russia to victory while navigating the logistical challenges of a drone-heavy battlefield.

Sources