I think public opinion is actually quite important for Putin. He’s losing power, and that’s been highlighted by things like the attempted coup.
If he could fully mobilize Russia they could field a massive military force, but he’s limited to things like using prisoners because people know his time is almost up.
It wasn’t an attempted coup, though, it was more keystone cops action from the Russian Federation.
I tend to agree with OC that these opinion polls don’t matter. Putin is in control and until people closer to him change that, Russian citizens are along for the ride.
I’m still not sure what to make of it, but Wagner had a bunch of troops and heavy equipment when they rolled very close to Moscow. They shot a few hundred million dollars worth of military planes out of the air, and the Kremlin blew up it’s own refinery and started tearing up roads leading to Moscow.
They clearly had popular support. I haven’t heard of a single person dying when they took Rostov-on-Don, and there are videos of Prigozhin being greeted warmly by civilians.
I think public opinion is actually quite important for Putin. He’s losing power, and that’s been highlighted by things like the attempted coup.
If he could fully mobilize Russia they could field a massive military force, but he’s limited to things like using prisoners because people know his time is almost up.
It wasn’t an attempted coup, though, it was more keystone cops action from the Russian Federation.
I tend to agree with OC that these opinion polls don’t matter. Putin is in control and until people closer to him change that, Russian citizens are along for the ride.
Keystone cops?
It’s an old comedy bit where the cops are bungling idiots chasing the robbers.
I’m still not sure what to make of it, but Wagner had a bunch of troops and heavy equipment when they rolled very close to Moscow. They shot a few hundred million dollars worth of military planes out of the air, and the Kremlin blew up it’s own refinery and started tearing up roads leading to Moscow.
They clearly had popular support. I haven’t heard of a single person dying when they took Rostov-on-Don, and there are videos of Prigozhin being greeted warmly by civilians.