As Ukraine continues to hammer at Russia’s critical infrastructure, causing fuel shortages, public brawls and a deteriorating economy, Vladimir Putin’s allies are pushing him to consider the unthinkable.
The battlefield humiliations have grown so profound that Kremlin hardliners are lobbying their leader to deploy nuclear weapons, against both Ukrainian frontline positions and European nations lending their support to Volodymyr Zelensky.
The tipping point before Putin chooses the deadly escalation would be the loss of the cherished Crimea, according to experts, where authorities recently declared a state of emergency.
Speculation is mounting that Ukraine’s next target will be the 12-mile Crimean Bridge – bombed several times already but still standing.
A decisive blow to the bridge could compound Putin’s fears that Russia is facing a threat to its territorial integrity, propelling him towards escalation.
Putin admitted for the first time last weekend that his country is suffering from gas shortages, as Kyiv relentlessly pummels logistics chains and oil facilities.
Amid a crumbling economy and surging soldier fatalities, Russians are becoming more outspoken with their criticism of the Kremlin, from distressed influencers weeping online about not being able to locate petrol, to disgruntled war veterans.
Forbes has predicted that Putin now has only three years left before he is toppled, drawing the curtain on almost three decades of power.
Footage is flooding out of Russia showing desperate motorists brawling in queues at petrol stations, as the fight for fuel reaches a breaking point.
As it is, 56 Russian regions are enforcing fuel restrictions, in a sign that Kyiv’s plan is working.
Last week, Zelensky announced he had approved a 40-day drone campaign to ‘compel’ Russia to end its war against Ukraine, now in its fifth year.
Throughout June, Kyiv has hit 11 oil refineries, as well as fuel logistics facilities, military factories, and other targets.
Last week, Ukrainian forces struck Russia’s major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week.
