Ukraine is leading the world's first full-scale drone war against Russia, showcasing innovation in drone production and tactical success. Despite Russia's larger resources, it struggles with outdated technology and global sanctions, relying on Iranian drones. Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Russian military and energy facilities, challenging Russian propaganda and highlighting societal differences between the two nations. The Kremlin's centralized power structure and secrecy hinder its drone warfare capabilities, while Ukraine benefits from civil society involvement. Western support, particularly long-range weapons, remains crucial for Ukraine to maintain its advantage and potentially shift the war's outcome.

The article examines the state of the Russian opposition following the death of Alexei Navalny, highlighting increased apathy and repression under Vladimir Putin's regime. It discusses the potential for a consolidated interregional movement to challenge the Kremlin, especially if Navalny's supporters and 'post-Russia' forums collaborate. The article critiques the Kremlin's authoritarian tactics, including the suppression of protests and the persecution of activists like Lilia Chanysheva. It also explores the challenges faced by Navalny's movement and other regionalist groups in promoting political change within Russia.

Russia's upcoming presidential elections are expected to result in the reelection of Vladimir Putin, amidst actions by the Kremlin to suppress opposition candidates through signature collection prevention, registration refusal, and even political assassinations. Independent candidates like Ekaterina Duntsova and Boris Nadezhdin faced obstacles from the Central Election Commission and the Russian Supreme Court, preventing their participation. The article argues that the West should not recognize the legitimacy of Putin's presidency, drawing parallels to the non-recognition of Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The murder of opposition leader Alexei Navalny is highlighted as evidence of Putin's systematic policy of eliminating democratic competitors, with calls from Navalny's wife and Mikhail Khodorkovsky to delegitimize Putin's regime. The article suggests that non-recognition could aid Ukrainian resistance and potentially lead to Putin losing internal legitimacy in Russia.

Russian regional governors have established new headquarters to prevent separatism, nationalism, extremism, and mass riots, raising doubts about the Kremlin's confidence in public support for the war against Ukraine and Moscow's imperial policies. Repression against regionalists has increased, with many forced into exile but maintaining ties with compatriots and advocating for more regional autonomy or independence. The synchronized creation of these headquarters suggests central coordination by the Kremlin. Activists believe this will lead to further repression against national movements. The Kremlin's actions reflect a lack of confidence in public support and fear of regional self-determination movements, which could undermine the propagandist unity of Putin's empire. The article highlights the growing skepticism among Russian citizens, especially non-ethnic Russians, towards Moscow's justifications for the war in Ukraine and the potential for significant political upheavals in Russia.

The article examines the contradictions in Vladimir Putin's leadership, focusing on his promises of economic and social stability amidst ongoing challenges. Despite claims of growth, the war has strained Russia's domestic situation, and Putin's rhetoric often conflicts with reality. His leadership style, reminiscent of past Russian leaders, faces growing public dissatisfaction. The article highlights three main contradictions: militaristic rhetoric versus economic promises, calls for traditional values versus personal secrecy, and the 'Russian world' doctrine versus Russia's multinational identity. These contradictions may lead to increased societal frustration and instability in Russia.

In September 2023, EU member states bordering Russia implemented an entry ban on cars with Russian license plates as part of broader sanctions against Russia. The policy aims to reduce the Kremlin's income to hinder its war efforts against Ukraine. However, the ban has led to criticism and contradictions, such as the continued purchase of Russian oil by European countries. The article argues that these measures may not effectively pressure the Kremlin and could instead fuel Russian propaganda. It also highlights the moral responsibility of Russian citizens while cautioning against collective punishment.

Public support for Russia's war in Ukraine is declining as citizens prioritize regional issues over nationalistic propaganda. Despite the Kremlin's efforts to maintain support through propaganda and the use of war veterans in politics, many Russians are more concerned with local challenges. Research indicates a growing 'gray zone' of apathetic citizens whose views may shift as personal and regional issues take precedence. The war's impact on Russian society is evident, with many avoiding discussions about it and focusing on local affairs. The potential for future de-imperialization of Russia is suggested as citizens increasingly question the Kremlin's actions and the war's purpose.

The United Russia Party is shifting its election rhetoric from militaristic themes to regionalism, reflecting growing public discontent with the war in Ukraine. This change is evident in various regions, including Khakassia and Primorsky, where candidates are focusing on local issues rather than military achievements. The Kremlin's control over regional elections remains strong, but the shift in messaging suggests an acknowledgment of the public's war fatigue. Key figures like Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin are distancing themselves from the war, indicating a broader strategy to maintain political stability amid declining support for the conflict.

Post-Soviet Russia has evolved into a 'private state' where private interests often outweigh state interests, a situation that has worsened during Vladimir Putin's era. The adoption of the law on 'state-private partnership' in 2015 has legitimized corruption by not clearly defining the interactions between government officials and businesspeople. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a key figure in this system, has benefited greatly through his company Concord and the Wagner Group, a private military company. Despite internal conflicts and a failed mutiny by Prigozhin, Putin's management model remains unchanged, with his close associates holding power above official state structures. The article suggests that overcoming 'Putinism' requires dismantling this 'private empire' to prioritize public interests and economic freedom over the militaristic ambitions of an unelected elite.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has declared that the decolonization of Russia is essential for sustainable peace, citing Russia's actions in Ukraine as a continuation of its neo-imperial policies. The OSCE's declaration has led to Russia suspending its participation in the assembly. The article discusses the historical context of Russian expansionism and the complexities of decolonization, emphasizing the need for international support and cautioning against ethnic conflict. It highlights the challenges of implementing OSCE resolutions without mechanisms to enforce them against Kremlin objections.