Putin shows no sign of stopping the war as Russia doubles down on Ukraine

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   Russia intensifies Ukraine conflict as Putin secures domestic power

   Vladimir Putin shows no intention of ending the war in Ukraine, instead doubling down on military efforts and domestic consolidation. Recent Russian drone strikes hit the Pivnichyi Bridge in Kyiv, creating a large fireball. Internally, Putin is addressing the newly elected 9th State Duma and attempting to bring war veterans onside to neutralize them as a potential threat to the Kremlin. This escalation coincides with a broader strategy to test NATO and maintain a confrontational stance against the West following a domestic election described as a sham.

   Why it matters

   Russia is transitioning to a new stage of confrontation involving both Ukraine and Western alliances. The Kremlin is focusing on internal stability by integrating veterans into the state apparatus to prevent domestic unrest. This occurs as Russia seeks to maintain its geopolitical position without relying on foreign assistance.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian drones hit the Pivnichyi Bridge in Kyiv, resulting in a large fireball.
   • Vladimir Putin is addressing the newly elected 9th State Duma.
   • The Kremlin is working to bring Ukraine war veterans onside to prevent them from becoming a threat.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Putin is implementing a secret post-election strategy to test NATO.
   • The recent Russian election was a sham.
   • Putin is entering a new stage of confrontation with the West.

   What to watch next

   • The content of Putin's address to the 9th State Duma
   • Further Russian drone strikes on Kyiv infrastructure
   • Evidence of NATO's response to Russian escalation strategies
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Foreign Affairs — How Putin Escalates: A New Stage in Russia’s Confrontation With Ukraine—and the West
   2. BBC — Putin shows no sign of stopping the war as Russia doubles down on Ukraine
   3. Foreign Policy — The True Meaning of Russia’s Sham Election
   4. The Moscow Times — Ukraine War Veterans Pose a Threat to the Kremlin. So Putin Is Bringing Them Onside.
   5. Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — What's Putin's Secret Post-Election Strategy To Test NATO
   6. Українська правда — Putin: We will not run around the world with an outstretched hand
   7. en.kremlin.ru — Meeting with leaders of political parties
   8. Reuters — Putin will address newly-elected parliament later on Wednesday, Kremlin says
   9. Президент России — First meeting of the 9th State Duma
   10. The Moscow Times — Russia's War Veterans Pose a Threat to the Kremlin. So Putin Is Bringing Them Onside.
   11. jen.jiji.com — ATP Beijing, Djokovic beats Zverev in quarters and does Sinner a favor
   12. jen.jiji.com — Iranian President to visit Turkmenistan
   confidence 80%