Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine may be creating growing political risks for President Vladimir Putin, with a new report claiming that the Russian leader fears the consequences of failing to secure the Donbas region before the conflict ends.
According to a report by The Economist, cited by The Sun, Putin allegedly told members of his inner circle that failure to achieve victory in the strategically important eastern Ukrainian region could threaten his position. The report quoted the Russian president as expressing fears that “they will hang me” if he fails to take control of the Donbas.
The claim has emerged as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine more than four years after launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Donbas, comprising primarily the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has remained central to Moscow’s military objectives. The area contains strategically important infrastructure and defensive positions, including the heavily fortified line known as the “Fortress Belt”.
The report also suggested that some Kremlin insiders are increasingly concerned about the cost and duration of the war. According to the claims, certain senior figures close to Putin believe the conflict has failed to produce the swift victory that Moscow initially anticipated.
Ukraine’s continued long-range attacks have reportedly added to the pressure. Strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including oil facilities and supply networks, have disrupted fuel availability in some areas and contributed to the economic burden associated with the conflict.
Diplomatic pressure on Moscow has also continued.
During a recent meeting with Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Russian leader to move towards ending the war, warning that continued conflict comes at a cost to humanity.
“Every day of war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm,” Modi was quoted as saying.
Putin responded that Russia was moving towards resolving the conflict, although Russian forces have continued military operations in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Moscow could intensify its campaign, including through further troop mobilisation.
The Kremlin, however, has repeatedly dismissed suggestions that the war has significantly weakened Putin’s position and maintained that Russia will continue pursuing its stated national security objectives.
There has been no public response from the Kremlin to the reported private comments attributed to Putin or the claim that failure in Donbas could threaten his future.
The allegations therefore remain unverified, but they add insight to the growing debate over how the long-running war in Ukraine could eventually end.
