Ever since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, Vladimir Putin has maintained an unspoken pact with his people. The conflict could continue, but the daily lives of ordinary Russians, particularly those in major cities, would remain largely unaffected.
The Pact Under Strain
However, as Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer explains, that agreement is now being pushed to its breaking point. The economy is stagnating, and up to half a million Russian men have been killed in Ukraine. In a further bid for control, access to the internet has been tightened in recent months. Muscovites are resorting to paper maps for navigation and even walkie-talkies to communicate.
Growing Isolation and Paranoia
Amid these developments, reports of the president's increasing isolation and paranoia are mounting. Barely seen in public, Putin has acquired a new nickname that is gaining popularity: 'grandpa in a bunker'. This moniker reflects the perception of a leader increasingly disconnected from his people.
Could Putin, who has been effectively in charge of Russia for the last 26 years, be losing his grip? The question looms larger as ordinary Russians become more restive over the toll of the war and a struggling economy at home.
