‘They will hang me if I end Ukraine war without victory’ — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly told members of his inner circle that failing to secure control of Ukraine’s Donbas region before ending the war could put his future at risk.

According to a report by The Economist, cited by The Sun, Putin allegedly expressed fears that “they will hang me” if he does not achieve victory in the strategically important region of eastern Ukraine.

The report said some Kremlin insiders believe the prolonged war has become increasingly costly for Russia, raising concerns among allies over how the conflict could end.

Donbas, made up mainly of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has remained one of Russia’s major objectives since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The region is considered strategically important because of its military infrastructure and defensive positions, including a heavily fortified area known as the “Fortress Belt”.

The claim comes amid reports that Russia is under increasing pressure from Ukraine’s continued long-range strikes targeting key infrastructure, including oil facilities and supply networks.

The attacks have reportedly affected fuel supplies in some parts of Russia and increased economic pressure linked to the war.

The report also claimed that some senior figures close to Putin believe the conflict has failed to deliver the quick victory initially expected when Russian forces entered Ukraine.

Meanwhile, international pressure for an end to the war has continued to grow.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged Putin to move towards ending the conflict, saying that every day of war pushes humanity backwards.

“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 in the direction of resolving the conflict, although Moscow has continued its military operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also warned that Russia could intensify its military campaign, including through increased troop mobilisation.

However, the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected claims that the war has weakened Putin’s position, insisting that Russia will continue pursuing what it describes as its national security objectives.

The Kremlin has not publicly responded to the report about Putin’s alleged private comments or fears over the outcome of the war.