FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory are increasing pressure on the Kremlin. Meanwhile, the FSB is gaining more and more influence in decision-making, as Moscow continues preparations for a long war.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory are intensifying and are undermining one of Vladimir Putin's main narratives, that the war in Ukraine would not affect the daily lives of Russian citizens.
On the night of July 3-4 alone, Ukrainian drones struck several important oil industry facilities in the St. Petersburg region. Following the attacks, the most frequent Google searches from Russia were for "St. Petersburg oil terminal" and the word "attack," an indication of the growing interest and concern among citizens.
The pace of attacks has also increased significantly. According to data published by The Economist, Ukraine carried out 335 attacks on Russian territory from the beginning of the war to the end of 2024. In 2025, the number increased to 658, while this year it is expected to exceed 800, with more accurate drones and greater explosive power.
These developments are putting pressure on the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin himself has acknowledged that attacks on refineries have created fuel supply problems, while the war is increasingly weighing on the Russian economy.
However, this does not mean that Moscow is moving towards a compromise. On the contrary, the war is accompanied by a transformation of the power structure in Russia, where the secret services are taking on an increasingly larger role.
The FSB, the successor to the Soviet KGB, is expanding its powers. Since April this year, it has taken over several high-security prisons, including the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow, as well as broader powers to investigate people accused of treason, espionage, terrorism and extremism.
Its influence has also become apparent in decisions to restrict the internet in some regions of Russia, measures that have caused dissatisfaction among citizens, but were adopted for security reasons.
At the same time, the Kremlin is struggling to meet its military personnel needs. Videos from various regions of Russia have been posted on social media showing searches and detentions of young men, who are reportedly being drafted into the army. There have also been reports of pressure on students to enlist in the armed forces.
Despite the costs of the war, Moscow is not giving any signs that it is ready to back down. On the contrary, the Kremlin continues to believe that political developments in some European countries could tip the balance in its favor and weaken the European Union's support for Ukraine. /Adapted from " Corriere Della Sera"
Lini një Përgjigje