How Ukrainian strikes could stop Putin: Portnikov responds

Recent Ukrainian Armed Forces attacks on strategic Russian targets — particularly aircraft and the Crimean Bridge — could mark a turning point in the possibility of negotiations with Moscow.

This was stated by journalist and publicist Vitaly Portnikov on his YouTube blog.

According to him, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is beginning to realize that further escalation of the war threatens the loss of even more assets that are symbols of his regime.

“We can talk about strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position — if real negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ever happen in the future regarding a ceasefire at the front,” he said.

In Portnikov’s view, the strikes on Russian aircraft and the bridge carry not only military but also political significance. When Russia loses these symbols of aggression, even Putin himself starts to see that the war is no longer empowering him but instead weakening the image of the “all-powerful leader.”

“Even among citizens filled with hatred, the question may arise: is he really the tsar? Or is it time to look for another, even more ruthless ruler who "won’t allow planes and bridges to be humiliated,” the journalist added.

Portnikov also points out that in recent months, former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on Putin to end the war — but without success. Now, the dictator himself may be starting to realize that this war could destroy him from within Russia itself.