Is Putin on the Back Foot in Ukraine and in Russia?
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift in Europe, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is reaching a critical juncture. During an upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to hear a unanimous consensus from European leaders: Russia’s position in this war appears increasingly precarious, both militarily and domestically.
Recent military developments have seen a notable uptick in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian cities. Such attacks, which are becoming more frequent, have had a significant impact, with cities facing unprecedented disruptions. The consequences of the war are palpable; fuel shortages are plaguing the nation, evidenced by long queues at gas stations and trucks left abandoned on the roadside. The core infrastructure of Russia, once thought resilient, is being systematically undermined.
In a rare moment of candor, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the challenges that his country is facing due to the ongoing conflict. As public discontent grows amid mounting economic turmoil, the Kremlin cannot ignore the dissatisfaction among its citizens. Reports of economic instability are becoming harder to suppress, adding to the pressures on Putin’s administration.
In the latest episode of The Global Story, host Asma Khalid engages with Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic and a seasoned reporter on Russian affairs. The discussion delves into the implications of the war as it begins to hit home for Russian civilians. With the war escalating, there is a burgeoning question: Is Putin truly on the back foot?
The episode explores several key themes. At 5:42, attention is drawn to Ukraine’s drone strikes, a testament to the nation’s resilience and military capabilities. Following that, at 7:23, the palpable reaction from ordinary Russians is examined, revealing the changing attitudes towards the war.
Beyond the mainland, the situation in Crimea is increasingly worrisome for Putin, as highlighted at 11:01. This region, which holds strategic significance, may be seeing shifts in local sentiment that could challenge Russian governance.
As the episode continues, the complexities of peace negotiations come to the forefront. Despite Putin’s aggressive rhetoric, including claims of ‘excitement’ for war, the stakes on both sides are growing. Continued Russian strikes on Kyiv, noted at 22:03, indicate that the conflict is far from over, even as devastation engulfs both nations.
The conversation surrounding this conflict is not just about military victories or territorial gains; it speaks to a generational impact, shaping the destinies of both Russia and Ukraine for years to come. As events unfold, the question remains whether Putin can maintain control in the face of mounting challenges both abroad and at home.
With the war hitting closer to the heart of Russia, experts and observers alike will be keenly watching what the next chapters of this conflict will reveal.
Watch the video by BBC News
Video “Is Putin on the back foot in Ukraine and in Russia? | The Global Story” was uploaded on 07/06/2026 to Youtube Channel BBC News