The Code of the Underworld: Mafia-Like Conflict Hinders Russian War Effort
Discord among Russia's combat leadership reveals dysfunction in Putin's system of rule amid unpredictable events in China, Turkey and elsewhere.
As we hypothesized in our previous posting, Russia’s Victory Day saw several defeats (and some victories) for Putin’s government in the diplomatic and cyber realms. Continued conflicts among Russian fighting forces hint at deeper dysfunction in Putin’s mafia-like ruling system. In addition, ongoing developments involving Turkey, Belarus, China, and Africa may impact Russia’s war effort against Ukraine in unpredictable ways.
Losses and Wins for Russia
Victory Day Mostly a Washout
Vladimir Putin appeared to have little to celebrate on the May 9 Victory Day holiday.
The parade itself was more modest than in previous years, lasting only 40 minutes and featuring only one tank, which attracted derision from some commentators . Putin’s speech trotted out tired themes, saying the West had unleashed a real war against Russia. The leaders of seven former Soviet states—all five Central Asian states plus …
