https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-economist-putin-fears-ending-the-war-without-victory-they-will-hang-me-he-reportedly-told-his-inner-circleContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-economist-putin-fears-ending-the-war-without-victory-they-will-hang-me-he-reportedly-told-his-inner-circlehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-economist-putin-fears-ending-the-war-without-victory-they-will-hang-me-he-reportedly-told-his-inner-circle#u55349Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:10:48 +0000Vladimir Putin believes he faces physical retaliation if Russia fails to capture all of Donbas. This fear drives a strategy of massive troop increases to secure a victory he views as essential for his survival. Reports indicate Russia is mobilising again, with conflicting estimates on the scale of the force. Ukraine claims Russia plans to mobilise 600,000 troops across this year and next, while other reports specify a plan to deploy 400,000 additional troops along the battlefront as the conflict escalates.Why it mattersThe Russian leader reportedly told his inner circle that he would be hanged https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-economist-putin-fears-ending-the-war-without-victory-they-will-hang-me-he-reportedly-told-his-inner-circlehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-economist-putin-fears-ending-the-war-without-victory-they-will-hang-me-he-reportedly-told-his-inner-circle#u53898Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:36:00 +0000Vladimir Putin believes he will be hanged if the war in Ukraine ends without a Russian victory, according to reports of conversations with his inner circle. This fear of defeat drives plans to deploy 400,000 additional Russian troops. While some reports suggest a full mobilization is imminent, the Kremlin has dismissed these claims as information ducks. The situation reflects a high-stakes internal struggle where the Russian leader views military success as his only means of survival.Why it mattersThe conflict in Ukraine has created significant pressure on the Russian leadership to produce tan