Kathrine Frich
Putin has ruled Russia with a firm grip since coming to power in 1999.
Vladimir Putin has spent more than two decades projecting strength and control at the top of Russian politics.
Now, as pressure mounts, that long-standing image is starting to fray at the edges.
Strikes hit hard
Ukrainian forces launched a fresh strike on the Tuapse oil refinery and export terminal on the Black Sea, according to reports by Daily Express.
The attack caused major fires and forced evacuations, with thick smoke spreading across the area.
The facility has now been hit multiple times in recent days, underlining Ukraine’s ability to target key infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.
Criticism grows
At the same time, criticism of President Vladimir Putin is emerging from former insiders.
Igor Strelkov, a former security officer involved in earlier Russian operations in Ukraine, said the war “has quite clearly reached a dead end” and was now “costing an enormous number of lives without any result.”
His comments were reported by the Daily Express.
Warning of defeat
Strelkov gave a stark assessment of Russia’s current position, warning the country was “desperate” and “unfortunately we are heading towards a military defeat”.
He also dismissed the idea that mass mobilisation could change the outcome.
“You can mobilise as many people to the front as you like, they will not be able to turn the course of the war. That moment has passed…. It is pointless. Our economy does not even have enough weapons to arm them.”
Pressure builds
The remarks form part of a wider pattern of criticism from pro-war bloggers and figures linked to the Kremlin.
These voices have increasingly questioned military strategy and leadership, pointing to missed opportunities over the course of the war.
Such statements remain rare but signal growing unease within certain circles.
Impact spreads
The latest strike has also raised concerns about environmental damage along the Black Sea coast.
Reporter Anastasia Troyanova described the aftermath, saying:
“The night was terrifying. There are now huge black columns of smoke over the city. It smells of smoke. At the same time, people are mostly walking without respirators or in simple medical masks. They say that they’ve smelled it and don’t feel the smell: this is very dangerous, because you can get poisoned this way.”
Reports suggest oil pollution could spread towards major resort areas, including Sochi and Gelendzhik.
Sources: Daily Express
