Kremlin Critic Says Ukraine War Is 'Backfiring' on Putin Amid Domestic Pressures

A prominent Kremlin critic told Global News that Russia's war in Ukraine is 'backfiring' on President Vladimir Putin, citing mounting domestic discontent driven by economic strain and social pressures. The assessment highlights growing internal tensions as prolonged military losses, international sanctions, and rising casualties continue to weigh on the Russian economy and public morale. Analysts note that while Putin has maintained tight control over public dissent, the accumulation of economic hardship — including inflation, labor shortages from military mobilization, and declining living standards — is eroding support in ways difficult to suppress.