Putin's Power Weakens After Ukraine's Attack

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine's recent military operations have reportedly undermined Vladimir Putin's authority within Russia, according to UK Defence Secretary John Healey. In an article for The Telegraph, Healey highlighted the implications of Ukraine's Kursk operation, which marks the largest foreign assault on Russian soil since World War II. This offensive has prompted a wave of skepticism among the Russian populace regarding Putin's leadership, suggesting that the Kremlin's grip on power may be weakening. The situation intensified with Ukraine's unprecedented drone strike on Moscow, which occurred earlier this month. Russian air defenses managed to intercept 11 of the drones, but 23 others posed a significant threat, leading to the temporary closure of three airports in the capital. Despite the chaos, Moscow's city center remained largely unscathed due to a robust network of anti-aircraft systems. Footage from the event depicted a frantic response from Russian forces as they worked to neutralize the incoming threats. In a strategic move, Ukraine has sought permission from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to utilize British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian supply lines. This request underscores Ukraine's intent to escalate its military efforts and potentially expedite the conflict's resolution. President Zelensky has emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, where ground offensives have been ongoing for over a week. Healey affirmed the UK's support for Ukraine's right to self-defense, asserting that operations within Russian territory are permissible under international law. He expressed pride in the role of British weaponry in aiding Ukraine's defense efforts, reinforcing the UK's commitment to supporting its ally in the ongoing conflict.