The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says the withdrawal of Russian forces from Kherson in southeastern Ukraine "is igniting an ideological fracture between pro-war figures and Russian President Vladimir Putin, eroding confidence in Putin's commitment and ability to deliver his war promises." It predicts that "the ever-increasing doubts among extreme Russian nationalists about Putin's commitment to Russian ideology reduce Putin's appeal to the nationalist community, while mobilization and high casualties will likely continue to upset members of Russian society." To see the original ISW assessment, click here.
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