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Why Putin Is Fighting On, Even as His Problems Multiply

28 August 2026 at 23:29
There is little sign that public exhaustion, economic headwinds or increased Ukrainian strikes are changing the Russian leader’s view that he will eventually achieve victory.

© Pool photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that despite Moscow’s challenges, he believes Kyiv’s situation is worse.

C.I.A. Chief Delivered Bleak Assessment of Russia’s War in Secretive Moscow Visit

John Ratcliffe’s meeting this week with a Russian intelligence chief was aimed at pushing the Kremlin to pursue a peace deal with Ukraine.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

John Ratcliffe, the C.I.A. director, delivered an urgent message to Aleksandr V. Bortnikov, the head of Russia’s F.S.B. intelligence service this week in a secret visit to Moscow.
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