BBC Expert Says Putin's Authority Is Waning Amid Rising 'Frustration And Fatigue' In Russia

The Russian president's past image as "Mr Security" has been significantly damaged by his own war.

Political Correspondent

Growing fatigue, frustration and anxiety over the Ukraine war among Russians is eroding Vladimir Putin’s authority, according to a BBC expert.

Steve Rosenberg, the broadcaster’s highly-respected Russia editor, told Newsnight that the country’s state-controlled media is trying to rescue Putin’s image as ordinary people feel the direct consequences of the conflict.

Putin first invaded Ukraine in February 2022, expecting to seize the smaller neighbouring country in a matter of days.

More than four years later, however, Russia occupies little more than a fifth of the country.

The UK military estimates that Russia has endured 1.3 million casualties in the conflict.

“This is affecting his image,” Rosenberg told BBC........

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