The Collapse of Putin's Great Power Project: What 1418 Days of War Mean for the Kremlin
The war in Ukraine has been going on for 1418 days, and this prolonged conflict has become a vivid testimony to the collapse of Vladimir Putin's great power project both on the Ukrainian front and on the international stage. Estimates suggest that approximately 1.1 million Russian military personnel have been lost, indicating serious problems facing the Russian army. These figures point to significant human losses that undermine the military might of the country.
Moreover, the situation in Russia and among its allies continues to deteriorate. In Belgorod, for instance, strikes have left 600,000 residents without electricity, indicating growing difficulties in managing territories under Kremlin control. It is also worth noting that Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria fell in 2024, marking yet another geopolitical defeat for Russia. Simultaneously, the USA has effectively neutralized Nicolas Maduro in South America, further weakening Moscow's position on the international stage.
Prospects for the Kremlin
Against the backdrop of these events, experts express varying opinions on the further prospects for the Kremlin. Maxim Kalashnikov notes that
“an entire era is coming to an end”, pointing out that the current situation could become a turning point in Russia's history. Meanwhile, Boris Bondarev emphasizes that
“even if Russia is weak, the Kremlin will strive to show that it is strong”, indicating the authorities' intentions to continue demonstrating their power despite obvious defeats.
Thus, 1418 days of war in Ukraine have proven to be not only a test for the Ukrainian people but also a serious challenge for the Kremlin, which faces numerous losses and geopolitical changes that question its great power ambitions. These events may have far-reaching consequences for Russia's domestic policy as well as for its international relations, as growing challenges may lead to a change in political course or even a restructuring of power in the country.