The Russian advances in Ukraine are not happening as quick as Vladimir Putin had hoped. The Ukraine army is putting up a tough fight which has prevented Vladimir Putin form achieving what he wants. The frustration of the Russian president may result in the army being doubled down. The growing global sanctions are taking a toll on Putin and the Russians.
US intelligence has reported that Putin has been lashing out at his inner circle. This is something unusual because Putin has always been one to control his emotions. The Russian president is isolated and is not getting credible information.
Since the invasion of Ukraine last week, Russia has not been able to take control of Kyiv as the Ukraine army is putting on a very stiff resistance and the advances have been slow. Putin has become confused and frustrated and has lashed out at his inner circle. There are growing fears that with more troops being sent to Ukraine and Putin’s frustration, there will be very high casualties.
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The growing sanctions which have crippled the Russian economy are taking its toll on the Russian people and mostly on the president. The world powers realized that sanctions would not have an effect if they do not hit Putin and his close friends personally. This move combined with the banning of Russia to take part in sport events has proved effective to date.
The time frame of the military operation was expected to last between a week or two weeks to crush the military force of Ukraine and replace it with a government which will be friendly with Moscow. Heavy fighting was reported on Sunday in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, where the Russians have been met by heavy resistance by the Ukrainian army.
Source: Times of Israel, Sunday Times, Business Insider South Africa, Image from Business Insider South Africa
