July 6, 2026: Does Putin Have a Way Out?

With Ukraine’s drone campaign striking ever deeper into Russia, Western analysts have rushed to declare a turning point in the war. But is it one? This week’s Vesti Nedeli broadcast, pointedly titled “War for Peace,” reads like a direct rebuttal to the argument that Putin has trapped himself in a geopolitical standoff with no good options left. From the Kremlin’s perspective, the escalation options are everywhere: stirring trouble in Cuba, playing the Iran card, and deepening the alliance with China.

Europe, meanwhile, is reacting to the threat of Russian escalation with a massive push for remilitarization. If this defense splurge comes at the expense of social spending, could it end up helping Putin, as frustrated European voters revolt against their already unpopular leaders in favor of nationalist (and, as it happens, pro-Putin) parties?

In this episode, Andy Kuchins and Chris Monday unpack how Vladimir Putin and Russian elites understand the world, and how they seek to influence it.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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